[carnewbiee]

I have a 2001 Chevy Cavalier, 66k miles.

The trouble I am having is it is overheating. I start up the car, the temperature gauge creeps to 1/4 mark in a normal manner, goes to 1/2 mark (195 F) normally as well (takes 5-6 minutes when idle) and then starts going past 195 F. I noticed that when I do this with the car idle, the car occasionally sputters a bit around 195 F, as if it wants to turn off.

I have replaced the thermostat.

After replacing thermostat, I refilled the coolant to the top. I noticed that by the time the car got past 195, the coolant level dropped to the FULL line (bit below the top) and didn't drop after.

I never saw any black oil foam in the coolant reservoir. Neither did I see coolant foam on engine oil dipstick. I also don't notice any visible leaks. I don't notice sweet anti-freeze smell. I am not sure about white smoke from tailpipe, I could be wrong but it doesn't really look white to me.

I have bought four new spark plugs to replace, as I plan to do a compression test to check for head gasket issues.

Can anyone think of other (easier) ways to troubleshoot this?