95 Grand Prix - Overheating

My 95 Grand Prix has started overheating 50% of times I start the car. When this happens, the temp goes right to 260 (red) and there is no heat. It is like the fluid is not circulating.
Someone said this could be the head gasket but it don't make sense.

Any ideas?

Have you checked the tstat???
Is the water pump working??

The best shot is using a heat gun. When starting the car when the needle goes to red use the gun to get real reading.

After reading this again, r u saying that the guage is going to 260 but the engine is still cool or seems to be at a normal temp??

If the engine in overheating try the 2 things that I suggested.


Alot cheaper than buying a $80 temp gun.

Tstat = couple bucks and 10 minute install
Water pump = disconnect one of the hose going into the pump and see if water gushes out.