98 Lumina Over Heating

[LSsix]

For the past year or so the Lumina would get a little warm (almost into the red) at idle but as soon as I get moving again it would cool back down. In all that time it had never over heated, it would get warm but never boil so it never seemed to be a problem.

But recently it has been getting hot and boiling over. When moving it seems fine but after only a few minutes of drive time if I have to stop at a light it will start to get hot and steam. Not so bad that there is smoke rolling from the hood but you can smell the antifreeze and when parked you can see it drip down.

Upon further inspection there is water spray everywhere under the hood but it's not coming from the radiator. I'm suspecting the water pump is bad but I thought I'd get some opinions here first. You can also hear what sounds almost like a grinding noise coming from under the hood while driving progressing as you press the accelerator. Could be bubbling noises but sounds more like one of the pulleys (perhaps the one from the water pump or the AC unit since it has not worked in years.)

I'd also like to mention that when running the car with the Max AC on (to force the secondary fans to kick on to help cool the car down) it makes little to no difference. Same as blasting the heat at full.

[LSsix]

After changing the oil I noticed water dripping out of the water pump so it seems my thoughts were dead on. Picked up a new Water Pump for $20 and will change it tonight.

[Fulkrum]

If the water pump changeout takes care of 100% of your problem, great.

If not, keep a sharp eye on your coolant, and your oil. If your intake gaskets are beginning to go, you'll see evidence of oil/water exchange. Give your recovery bottle and your dipstick a quick look every time you fuel up.

My '97 3.1L actually had a complete intake gasket failure, ended up with oil throughout the cooling system and water in the sump. I had the gaskets changed, everything flushed twice, and got back on the road with no long-term problems. That was over 100,000 miles ago. It cost me about $450 through my favorite mechanic. The dealership wanted to sell me a long block for five grand plus labor.