2000 3.4 coolant troubles

[kylejennings]

So my girlfriend has a 2000 grand am with the 3.4 in it. About a month and a half ago it started acting up. It would overheat, then all of the coolant would be flushed out of the overflow port on the reservoir. So to me, that sounded like the tstat was not opening. However, she told me that her dad had just changed it (maybe 3000 miles ago) so we decided to rule that out. We both got really busy with school and didn't have much time to look at it until last week again. After looking a little closer, we found that two of the hoses were cracked (can't believe I didn't see that before) so her father and her replaced the two hoses and then they drove it home for easter. She drove it back Sunday no problem, but yesterday it did the same thing where it leaked out of the overflow.

I was just wondering what you all think about that? I know they just replaced the intake manifold gaskets like 4 or 5k ago.

Thanks for any help!!

Kyle

 

[melsg5]

Pressure test the system including the cap. Check the coolant for presence of hydrocarbons indicating a blown head gasket.

 

[richardgriese]

^x2 mel. Also make sure you replace all of the hoses including the ones to the heater core . If it were overheating chances are its warped or bad head gasket.

 

[kylejennings]

Thanks for the quick replies guys! My only question about a head is wouldn't it be a constant overheat problem? This seems to happen intermittently, predominantly when driving short distances.

Thanks again guys!

Kyle

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[richardgriese]

Driving short distances means your city right? In city, you will have slower speeds and "stop and go" and slower speeds = less air flow over the radiator. Highway means more air flow and cooler temps usually. Other signs are lack of heat with no acceleration and heat with acceleration.

These things can be very tricky. Do a hydrocarbon test - you can get these on loan from local parts stores for about $50 (idk if they charge anything since you have to use a chemical; you will have to ask) so you will get your money back and its a pretty easy test. Also, keep an eye on the coolant level. See if you're also losing some.

 

[kylejennings]

Driving short distances means your city right? In city, you will have slower speeds and "stop and go" and slower speeds = less air flow over the radiator. Highway means more air flow and cooler temps usually. Other signs are lack of heat with no acceleration and heat with acceleration.

These things can be very tricky. Do a hydrocarbon test - you can get these on loan from local parts stores for about $50 (idk if they charge anything since you have to use a chemical; you will have to ask) so you will get your money back and its a pretty easy test. Also, keep an eye on the coolant level. See if you're also losing some.

Okay cool. I'll head to orileys tonight and we can do a hydro test.

Thanks,

Kyle