Hey my gf has a 99 eclipse turbo. After like a 10 minute drive her engine is super hot! It doesn't show on the temperature gauge, I can just open the hood and feel the heat like opening an oven. I noticed today that the temp gauge doesn't move, but her check engine light is not on. Wouldn't we get an engine light if either the engine was too hot, or the temp gauge was broken? If the temp gauge is broken does that mean that the thermostat is not giving the coolant that the engine requires? It is just kinda frustrating because her car is fun to drive, but it gets so hot and the horsepower drops immensely. She also used to, or still does, have a slight oil leak. I think that it was/still is dripping from around the valve cover. I think the valve cover may be cracked. I cleaned up all the old oil/gunk that dripped down onto the rest of the parts below the head. But, still the car gets REALLY hot. It gets so hot you can't hold your hand a foot above the engine for more than 5 seconds. I dont know whats going on.

Oh and also, her oil gauge is always below the minimum line, then when you enter boost it goes to the normal spot for like 20 seconds, then goes back down. Im assuming there is still an oil leak. Would I be accurate in thinking so?

Thanks for any help guys, I appreciate it.

Oh also, I dont know if this helps but after her car gets hot, when you put it in park the rpms will skyrocket to anywhere between 2 and 3k. When you put it into gear, the rpms will drop to normal idle range.

 

Does the fan turn on?
Is there enough coolant or any?
Does the raditor work?

I don't know, I'm car dumb. lOL

 

I know a temp gauge will not work if theres no water in the radiator system. So check if she has water first off. Then if it has water, then it sounds like you have a sticking thermostat that needs changed.

Does the heater work?

And the low oil pressure thing is scary. But my friends s10 used to only keep like 5psi, and 20psi and rev. And it never did blow. My s10 keeps 60 when i start it and 20 after warm. So check the oil. Make sure its full or not old a runny.

 

I just changed the oil the other day, it has the sufficient amount of oil. And the car has enough coolant, I put some in after I changed the oil. The heater works, and the fan works.

Would an oil leak cause low oil pressure?

 

I don't see how it would, but I may be wrong.

Because my car burns oil like no other.

 

Man I would take it to a shop I trust or at least to a Mitsbishi dealer service somewhere. Not familiar with turbo's here, but does it have an intercooler? Maybe the turbo is heating things up a bit..

 

if her oil pressure gauge says its low check the oil make sure ur using the right viscosity. note that using a synthetic oil can create leaks in older cars. note oil lubrication can affect engine temp. before u get to crazy check ur coolant level, after that check to see if ur thermostat is in backwards. if u think she has a craked head... take pressure cap off radiator, thoroughly clean(really clean it u dont want any dirt to get in the engine) the area around one of ur spark plugs, take out the plug u just cleaned, put a air hose to that empty journal, if u see bubbles in ur coolant u have a cracked head. If ur unsure about this method consult a local mitsu dealer and see if they can do a pressure test. oil leaks can affect oil pressure depending on the leak. bad bearings in the block could
be giving low pressure. there's lots of things that can affect both engine temp and oil pressure.
good luck

 

An oil leak at the valve cover gasket is not going to effect oil pressure. Its most likely low to do age and wear on an old turbo motor. The rule of thumb is that if its got 10psi per 1,000 rpms its ok. Its an old rule, but it gets the job done.

The rpms jumping up means it has vacuum leaks and other problems that are affecting the idle.

 

hmmm, doesn't sound good from what you guys are saying. Her car is a 99 gs-t with 90k miles, so its not that old. It has always had the correct oil viscosity and amount since we've owned it.

She has been looking at lt1 camaros and foxbody mustangs alot recently, so maybe we will just sell it and get something else.

Thanks a bunch guys.

 

I think you can measure car years kinda like you do dog years. 10 yr old car is an old car. Not a classic, but still old.. And 90K miles. Yep she's getting on up there in age... ..

 

Should I be worried about the low oil pressure?
Her car could sell for like 5k on craigslist, if its got a problem I would want to dump it.

 

Here's what i woild do. Not knowing much about turbo driven imports.

Take it to a dealer and try to get friendly with the service manager. Not hugs and kisses freindly, but you know what i mean..

have them check it out. Don't fix nothin. Just an estimate and maybe the price of a diagnostic check..

Then take it to a local reputable car shop. You may want to research that a little bit unless you know someone.. Have them check it out.

Plus you can find tons of stuff on the web. See if this is a problem for anyone else with that make and model car.. Just google that one

Then you can weigh your options after you get enough documentation as to what you need.. Sell vs. fix and so on.. GL, and hope you get figured out...