97 firebird overheating issues

[xixjadexix]

I have a 97 firebird. I have had this car a little over 2 years. I was driving to work today and noticed it was overheating. I pulled over and parked it. Once it cooled down I popped the hood and noticed that the coolant is brown and gunky. It's only coming from where you pour the coolant into it. I have heard that it is anything from a possible blown head gasket to bad coolant. I am attempting to prove something by working on this car myself. I have mechanic back up but I'm out to find answers myself. Can someone please point me into the right direction so I atleast know where to start looking?

 

[melsg5]

Remove the oil fill cap and see if you have any white or brown gunk in the cap? If not start by flushing your cooling system and replacing the thermostat.

 

[Formula94]

I have a 97 firebird. I have had this car a little over 2 years. I was driving to work today and noticed it was overheating. I pulled over and parked it. Once it cooled down I popped the hood and noticed that the coolant is brown and gunky. It's only coming from where you pour the coolant into it. I have heard that it is anything from a possible blown head gasket to bad coolant. I am attempting to prove something by working on this car myself. I have mechanic back up but I'm out to find answers myself. Can someone please point me into the right direction so I atleast know where to start looking?

What is the temperature this is overheating at? I assume you are running dex-cool antifreeze (orange kind) since you have a 97'? Did you happen to add regular (green kind) antifreeze to the reservoir? Maybe it is time to do a coolant system flush? Do check your oil first. It has the potential to be a head gasket issue. How often do you change your oil? Do you run synthetic? If your oil checks out fine, you may also want to change your thermostat in the water pump if you decide to go with a coolant flush. Do you have the LT1 V8 or a V6?