overheating issue

[Snelson]

I replaced the water pump and thermostat.
car still overheats when it just sits and idles for like 5-10min

2003 pontiac se1 V6 3400
200k miles

Thanks

 

[melsg5]

do the fans come on when it starts to overheat, if not check the fans and the relay and the wire harness

 

[Snelson]

I switched the relay under the fuse box.
The fans seem like they kick on intermediatly
Also are the hoses supposed to be pretty had because
Mine they get hot and the water flows but they still collaspe
Also I ran it with the ac and it still gained a lot of heat it went to about.225 &kicked down

 

[melsg5]

you have air in the system, try googling "grand am cooling system air bleed"

______________________________

 

[cessnaguy1965]

I agree with Mel. I just replaced the water pump on my 1995 Grand Am and refilled with coolant and after just a few moments of running it started to get REAL hot. Discovered that there is a bleeder on the intake manifold on the passenger side of the engine with a line that, I believe, goes to the thermostat housing. After I had removed the bleeder a giant whoosh of air and coolant mist came out. Be very careful not to burn yourself or anyone else. After a top off, all is well. I dont know if this is the same on your 2003 as it is on my 95, but worth checking into. The little Chiltons manual I have doesnt mention this bleeder port in the section of coolant refilling, but I believe this is a common thing on G.M. products. My 94 Corvette has bleeder ports on it, and although they are not the same exact thing, thier purpose is.

Good luck,
Cessnaguy

 

[Zimgxp]

You shouldn't have to remove the bleeder. It should open like a valve.

 

['03 Grand-Am GT]

There is a bleeder screw on top of the tube that goes on the water pump. As you fill up the system, unscrew the bleeder valve and fill until you see coolant coming out. Then screw back the bleeder by hand and fill up the reservoir to the ''full cold'' mark. Then start the engine with the coolant reservoir cap off and once in a while unscrew the bleeder valve to make sure there is only coolant coming out and no air bubbles as the engine warms up keeping an eye on the temp gauge. When the engine is at or near operating temperature, put back the coolant reservoir cap on tightly and keep unscrewing the bleeder valve once in a while to make sure there is no air bubbles. You dont need to take off the bleeder screw completely. Just slightly unscrew it until you see coolant runnin out or until there are no more air bubbles then tighten it back. After about 15 to 20 min of idling, the system shouldn't have anymore air.