[jdandrade]

Last night on my way into work I was stuck in stop and go traffic. After the traffic started to pick up again, I noticed my car was overheating. Pulled over and opened the hood. Let it cool a bit, and added 50/50 antifreeze. Started to bubble because I am assuming it was still hot.

I checked for leaks and none exist. I checked for head gasket issues i.e. water in oil, water/steam coming from tail pipes, nonexistent as well. The car cooled down, I started it up and let it idle and it seemed to not overheat. Prior to the overheat the coolant light started blinking. Hence why I added coolant. So i thought i fixed the issue, and continued on to work.

Just a few minutes later the coolant sign started blinking again, and the car was beginning to overheat. Pulled over. This is where I get confused...

There was a lot of steam this time, to what seems to becoming from the alternator. It is literally smoking from the alternator. I can not locate a leak anywhere.

Does anybody have any idea on what steps I should take?

Mind you I am just a broke college student trying to become a pilot. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[jdandrade]

I also forgot to mention the coolant level is just fine. The overfill is at the proper level.

 

[jdandrade]

bump

 

[Skimmer0220]

Sounds like a water pump if you change the water pump make sure it's a metal impeller one


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[jdandrade]

Any way to check to see if it is the pump itself?

thank you!!

 

[Skimmer0220]

Only way really to tell is to take it apart


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[jdandrade]

Ok went out and let it idle. at first I was afraid it could be the head gasket because there was smoke coming from exhaust. However after i drove it around the smoke wasnt there anymore. I opened the hood and felt the hoses. the top hose was cold, and the bottom was hot. I see the bottom hose connecting to a hard piece of plastic near the engine, and the piece of plastic has a slight crack in it.....


I believe it is the thermostat housing




edit



it was the thermostat housing. it cracked.