08-09-2005, 08:20 PM
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#1
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AF Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: london
Posts: 14
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97 grand am overheating
I have a 97' grand am se, 3.1, 4dr, auto.
My problem is its overheats in no time and boils the antifreeze out the resivoir cap. So far I've changed the resivoir cap, thermostat (tested new one its ok), headgaskets (not fun), intake gaskets, flushed rad and motor, fresh antifreeze.
The rad is clean outside and flows water good, fan works great, a/c works fine, water pump looks good inside.
None of this made any difference to it overheating. Is there something Im missing, any suggestions.
Only thing left I can think of trying is a can of gas and a match.
thanks
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08-09-2005, 08:37 PM
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#2
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AF Enthusiast
Join Date: May 2005
Location: concord, New Hampshire
Posts: 2,026
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Did you check your heater core? Sounds strange, but I'm not sure if that will cause a v6 motor to overheat, it will on the quad's. Also, are you sure you followed all the directions on changing the head gaskets? I changed one in a sunturd and the manual didn't have all the directions, ended up changing the gasket again about 2 weeks later.
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08-09-2005, 10:48 PM
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#3
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AF Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: london
Posts: 14
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I'm sure the head gaskets are ok I did everything right. Proper torque, new head bolts, all new gaskets, etc.
Heads are not cracked either.
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08-10-2005, 04:57 PM
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#4
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AF Enthusiast
Join Date: May 2005
Location: concord, New Hampshire
Posts: 2,026
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Sounds like either the timing is off, the water pump is defective, or the thermostat is stuck closed. I'd start with the thermostat as thats the least expensive part to replace, if that doesn't cure it change the water pump, they are fairly inexpensive.
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08-10-2005, 08:03 PM
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#5
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AF Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: london
Posts: 14
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The thermostat is where I started with the troubleshooting, replaced it with a new one wich I tested in hot water, worked fine.
I dont think the timing can even be adjusted on this motor, isnt it a self adjusting with the comuter?
Had the water pump off this morn it looks to be in really good condition and seems functional, all it does is spin right?
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08-10-2005, 08:34 PM
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#6
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AF Enthusiast
Join Date: May 2005
Location: concord, New Hampshire
Posts: 2,026
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Yup water pump spins, what shape was the impeller in? They are relatively inexpensive, you might try replacing that. Are all the hoses good? No kinks, restrictions, etc. ?
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08-10-2005, 09:11 PM
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#7
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AF Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: london
Posts: 14
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impeller looks like factory...no rust or anything like that.
Hoses should be ok, as I had everything apart a few times and flushed really well with the garden hose. didnt seem to be any restriction as far as water traveling trough the hoses, rad, motor, etc.
Guess maybe Im gonna have to spend the $$$ to get a profesional to check it out, I'm stumped, which really sucks, I hate to pay someone to do something I can be doing.
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08-11-2005, 10:17 AM
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#8
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out saving the world
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Yourtown, Indiana
Posts: 10,061
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Re: 97 grand am overheating
Have you tried running the car without a thermostat? Theres probley an air pocket trapped in the recirculater or up at the thermostat/housing and it sure does heat things up fast. \,,/
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03-19-2009, 09:35 PM
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#9
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AF Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Chester, West Virginia
Posts: 1
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Re: 97 grand am overheating
Mine did the same thing....behind the belt there is a panel it'll leak antifreeze....theres a gasket in there...idk if you checked to see if it was leaking or not but its possible
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03-20-2009, 09:14 AM
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#10
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out saving the world
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Yourtown, Indiana
Posts: 10,061
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Re: 97 grand am overheating
Welcome to AF cornell160 !
Thanks for the tip!
Though Id hope the OP has it fixed by now, being almost 4 years ago. 
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