Overheating & Coolant flows on inside floor

Asked by GuruGWS3J Aug 17, 2020 at 03:24 PM about the 1985 Buick Century Limited Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

A well maintained California car, but driven
infrequently. It is started up weekly, but not
always driven. At the gas station, after
pumping gas, it wouldn't start. AAA jumped
it. Drove 5 mins to my  destination. Parked to
let run for 15 mins more. After idling about 5-
10 mins, the car overheated, steam started
fogging up front windshield, I turned the car
off, and coolant began flowing onto the floor
on the passenger side and flowed onto the
rear floor. What is the problem and how to
resolve it? What can I expect the repair cost
to be if taken to a shop?

2 Answers

40,000

It sounds like your heater core failed, which is in the firewall and that is how coolant leaked into the vehicle. But it might just be a hose that is attached to it that needs replacing. The whole dash needs to be removed to access it. Have a shop give you a quote before you go ahead with a repair. They will charge you around $1000 for the job. I know that sounds like a lot but it's all labor. So you might want to think about selling the car as is since you don't really drive it.

2 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
154,865

Definitely the heater core. On this vehicle it's about a 4 hour job. Most of that being labor. The whole dash doesn't have to come out, but it's accessed from under the dash. Hope that helps! Jim

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Century

Looking for a Used Century in your area?

CarGurus has 2 nationwide Century listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Bruce Sampson
    Reputation
    2,420
  • #2
    John Saffrahn
    Reputation
    1,800
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    1,440
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Buick LeSabre
1 listing
Used Buick Regal
4 Great Deals out of 28 listings starting at $6,995
Used Buick Riviera
1 listing
Used Cadillac DeVille
5 listings starting at $3,900
Used Lincoln Town Car
4 listings starting at $9,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.