94 Grand Prix overheating

[jstower]

I've read alot of threads for overheating and have not seen one with this sympton: I have replaced the water pump and thermostat but I have air in the sytem that i cannot bleed out hence causing my temp gauge to rise to 240 then back down to 180. The resevoir is bubbling as air is backing up into it. Is this an intake manifold problem? or possibly a clogged radiator. I have 220k miles but I have replaced the intake gasket around 105k.

[GTP Dad]

If you have air in the system that is the cause of your overheating problems. Remove the radiator cap from the radiator and allow the engine to run until the thermostat opens. If there is air in the system then you will see the coolant drop and you will need to refill it. Otherwise the problem may be a bad cap since the radiator is allowing the air escape and when it draws the coolant back in it is sucking air instead of coolant. Otherwise have the system pressure checked and it should indicate where there are any leaks. As for the radiator, put your hand on it to see the temperature of the fins. If the radiator is blocked it will be how on one side and cold on the other indicating a blockage. If that is the case you will need to replace it or have it recored. If you are not seeing any coolant on the engine or in the oil the intake probably isn't your problem.

[SUERED]

I just replaced a water pump on a '95 GP this summer. There is a bleeder screw on the top of the housing where the thermostat is located and likely would be there on your '94. You need to vent that housing of air. I would suspect you have a pocket of air in there preventing the thermostat from opening correctly? Thermostats I have looked at have a pin hole in the plate to permit fluid to get to the other side even when they are closed. Whether that is universal on all of them--I have not enough experience to say. That would help to prevent this problem. Air always rises to the top and it likely found its way to your thermostat housing, I venture to say.

[stockgp]

check to make sure your fans are working properly, too

[eagle4224]

i have a 94 granprix se 3.1 i suspect intake is only thing leaking cause white steam is coming out exoust and it dont miss as if wter is getting on spark plugs. it starts right up and when we shut it off a puff will come from back top of motor any help would be appreciated thank you forum!

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

It is possible for a bad intake gasket to cause white smoke to come from the exhaust but it is likely that you also have a problem with the head gaskets too. For white smoke to come out of the exhaust the water must be getting into the combustion chamber. Do you have water in the oil? If not then do a compression check on the engine to see if you have a problem with the head gaskets. Low compression on any of the cylinders can indicate a head gasket problem. Also look at the plugs to see if the are wet or smell like antifreeze. If so that is the cylinder where the water is getting in. Good Luck!