1987 chrysler fifth Avenue issues

Maintenance/Repairs
1

So after much tinkering, I have finally figured out my cars patterns and symptoms reliably, now i have my suspicions already regarding thermostat/ coolant temp gauge BUT I figured I would tell my tale of woe here and see what you folks think

My car will start cold no problem, she’s a bit neglected, but I have put a new starter and replaced my bad hoses, it’s been an experience thus far, but recently I have had new troubles

So as I say, it starts cold just fine, and when it warms up it runs fine, no trouble there, but if its warm, I mean even like, a warm rock kind of warm, it will NOT turn on again once shut off, it usually takes about 2 hours but once my engine is cold to the touch, it will start again, now as of tonight I have a new issue, a small pinhole in my radiator, but the cooling issue is older than this leak, and I’m confident that after fixing this leak, it will continue in this way, I can drive about 11 miles before it overheats, and if I turn it off, its 2 hours waiting time pretty much like clock work. Now this pandemic has me out of work and thus - out of money, so I’m hoping I can fix this myself without breaking my wallet over a mechanic, any advice or diagnosis?

All my other components are in fine working order by the way, figured I should add that bit

2

A leak will not cause overheating unless your coolant level drops too low. You can fill it daily and drive a long time that way. If a part is leaking, you replace that part.
It has the lean burn carb. Unless a former owner removed the setup.

3

It does not crank? Or it cranks and cranks but does not start and run?

4

Lean burn was not the carb, but part of the ignition system.

5

I have very unfond memories of Chrysler vehicles of that vintage. I can only suggest to stop beating your head against the wall. It will feel good when you stop. Otherwise maybe check the engine temp sensor. Does this thing have a carb?

I remember my mom had one and she’d drive it to the first stop sign at about 5 miles and it would stall. Couldn’t figure it out. I overhauled the carb twice. Then my mechanical genius BIL looked at it and grabbed that coin shaped heat sensor and disconnected it. Problem solved. Who knew?

1 Like