Get the latest advice about your car

Get Started
Advice » Q&A » 1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

Q&A

Ask Your Question

1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

Question: please help stumped husband with overheating issue

Question

Laurilang5, 5.7L V8, Everett, WA, March 01, 2009, 01:37
Profile_thumbnail
 Rookie

after replacing fly wheel due to hydro lock due to blown head, replacing heads with new ones, and now replacing all aspects of the cooling system, our dear suburban continues to overheat. Please help this poor man and myself1

3 Answers
Flag This
  • Answer #1

    munkyrench March 02, 2009, 11:01
    Profile_thumbnail
     Master

    Overheating issues can be tough, but when a vehicle had the type of work your just did, it adds so many variables that it is almost impossible in this type of forum. If you can try to paint a clear picture as to when it overheats, that may help. Start from when the vehicle is stone cold until it overheats. A history of the original problem that led to the head problem and any overheat issues at that time is needed too. Are there any codes stored in the engine module? Did you install the correct heads and head gaskets?

    Flag This
  • Reply

    Laurilang5, March 04, 2009, 01:09
    Profile_thumbnail
     Rookie

    THe first symptom on our 3 yr old 30,000 mile engine was white smoke blowing out of tailpipe. Also repeat codes. Not relieved by new muffler. Then the starter started grinding loudly and eventually quit. Diagnosis was Hydro lock caused by leaky valve heads. The hydrolock had also chewed up the fly wheel which was replaced. Brand new heads were applied, everything just right..Took it on a drive and it all ran well for 105 miles. Then started overheating. Gradually at first, now quite quickly. Replaced every aspect of the coolant system, including radiator, to no avail, We are desperate. He has taken it back down to the heads and all seems well. Just no water getting from radiator no engine

    Flag This
  • Reply

    Visitor, June 03, 2010, 00:56

    Just wanted to report back about our Suburban overheating issue.

    Turns out the block was cracked. He is putting it all back together now with a new block. Happy days!

    Reply
    Flag This
  • Medium-star Best Answer
    Bret Bodas March 04, 2009, 09:11
    Profile_thumbnail
     Master

    Has the water pump been replaced? If the water pump is driven by a serpentine belt, make sure the belt is routed correctly, if not, the water pump will spin backwards and not work correctly. It may be that there is a plugged passageway in the block too. And double check the head gaskets against the old ones and make sure the new ones have all the correct openings for the coolant passages. And lastly, are there any new codes and is the radiator fan working properly?

    Reply
    Flag This
  • Answer #3

    Visitor, June 02, 2010, 19:53

    these engines are notorious for intake manifold gaskets causing these symptoms the leak water?coolant into the cylinders

    Reply
    Flag This
Answer Ranks