'96 i30 infiniti overflow tank and overheating issue.

[jwpayso]

im new to this forum everybody and im looking for some help. Any replies would be appreciated. I have a 96 infiniti i30. Recently after around 30-45 minutes of my car running the temperature needle reads Hot, like its ready to overheat. There is no leaks, smoke or change in the way the car rides, nothing but a slight smell of maple syrup (coolant burnin g?). Even when the car gets the highest level of Hot, it hasn't overheated on me.??Another thing is i noticed is that no coolant has been flowing through to the overflow tank?? There is currently none in the tank and after testing the car lettin it sit as it climbed to hot, nothing flowed through to the tank.??Even when the needle climbed to Hot.Its seems to have a backup problem of some sort, because it no longer flows to the tank. but i dont kno to much about fixing cars, i just dont want to get ripped off from a mechanic. Any information or what the problem is???

[Beancooker]

I am assuming that you've checked the coolant level? If not wait untill cool and check. (DO NOT REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP IF IT IS HOT TO THE TOUCH)Remove the radiator cap and make sure it's full. There should also be some coolant in the overflow tank at all times. If the overflow tank is empty, after filling the radiator fill the overflow tank to the cold level line. If this does not solve your problem, you may have to flush the system, or possibly replace the thermostat. If your fluids are full, and you still have problems, let us know and we'll find a solution.

[jwpayso]

thanks for your information. Yes the coolant level is fine. My thermostat is hard to get to or else i would jus replace it and see that was the problem but it seems i need to take it to a mechanic to replace that. Its to hard to get to i'd have to take the alternator out to get to it. Is it possible it could be a radiator cap? Mine looks okay but you never know. I have no idea how to flush the radiator, what reasons would you do that? overheating issues?

[Beancooker]

Flushing is good to do as prevenitave maintenance, and if you have a clogged up radiator due to mineral deposits, you can flush it with reverse osmosis water several times and it will absorb the minerals and restore good flow.

[maxhopper]

Welcome to NICO.

I would look at either the thermostat or the coolant temp sensor as the problem.

The factory service manual does not call for the alternator to be removed in order to get to the thermostat.