Expert: Sean Halliday - 10/30/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Sean,
   I am not sure if I did some thing wrong but here it is. I was checking the anti-freeze in my Susuki, sidekick and decided to add more antifreeze in the overflow container,. I learned this from another person. the container was empty at the time. But I added too much ant-freeze to the top of container, and went by the full line. Right after that the Temp. started rising. So I emptied the overflow container, thought that was the problem. Now the temp. gauge is still rising, going to about half way. My question is will the temp. eventually go down, or do I have a problem now. What is your advise, I would be very appreciative if you can help me.
         
         Thanking you Kindly,
         Patty

ANSWER: I need to know what year your car is and if it has a small radiator cap(not on the bottle).Some are on the radiator and some elsewhere on the cooling system.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: DEAR SEAN,
    My car is a 1995 Suzuki, Sidekick, small radiator cap about 3-4 ins across. Also my fan belt is screaching! But the radiator temp. did not start until I overfilled the overfill container.
         Thanking you,
         Patty


Answer
Remove the radiator cap and check the coolant in there as well as the bottle(cold engine).The fact the belt is screeching might be a water pump leak.There may be just a coincidence the temp started to rise when you overfilled the coolant.Low coolant or sticking thermostat can cause overheating.You will need to have the car inspected as major engine damage may result if the engine gets too hot.The system will need pressure tested and possibly flushed.Other cause for high temp is a blown head/intake gasket.