help check engine for a week now!

[bates]

ok well its been actually almost 2 weeks now. i have a rad leak somewhere, and it almost overheated, but i saved it(i think, it stills works) but ever since, when the engine gets to be about a good running temp, very low according to the gauge, the check engine light comes on. this takes about 7 minutes driving normal. does anybody know how i can fix this? or whats wrong? everything looks fine, gauges etc, and its rund fine too.

 

[BradE.]

You need to get the codes read, it really could be almost anything.

Sounds like you need a new thermostat also.

 

[bates]

ok thanks, how much does that cost? or would it be cheaper to buty the thing that reads the codes? and whats in changinf a thermostat?

 

[88vert]

AutoZone will check it for free

 

[jimbo74]

CEL triggers for an emissions control problem... i doubt it is thermo related..... both should be looked into.... when my truck is on long trips and warmed up, my truck throws a lean/rich 02 sensor codes.....

 

[BradE.]

Autozone will only read OBD II codes for free, his X is on OBD I set up. You can buy an OBD I code reader at WalMart for $25.

A thermostat is pretty easy to change and costs around $5.

The thermostat and CEL could be related. You say the truck is not warming up at all. This can cause the fuel system to enter open loop operation, which WILL trigger the CEL. Again for now I would treat them as different problems. Get the codes read and put a new thermostat on the "to do" list.

 

[Opera House]

You need nothing more than a paper clip

on a 91 to short the two connectors. Then you can watch the check engine light flash. go to www.batauto.com which has the procedure and two digit codes in the tech section.