Overheating....Help

[Pancho_peter]

I have a 2001 Malibu V6 3.1 liter. A few weeks ago it started overheating, I replace the thermostat, water pump, cooling fan and the intake gasket. After the intake gasket was replaced, the check engine light came on. I got it tested to see what it was and I was told it was the TPS(Throttle Position Sensor). I replaced it and also replaced the Coolant Temperature Sensor. Now the car is still overheating, and I have no idea what is causing it to overheat. Anybody with any suggestions Please reply! Thanks.

[gapboi210]

Hmmmmm,

After all that, the only thing that comes to mind would be the radiator. It could be plugged and not letting the cooler fluid circulate into the motor. My '01 Malibu always runs just slightly past half way on the temp gauge. Is that what it was running at before?

[johnholl]

Is the engine actually overheating? What was the actual check engine code number? Are your brakes dragging? How's your oil and coolent level? Are you using Dexcool?

[Pancho_peter]

No, it always ran at the half way mark.

[Pancho_peter]

Yes it is overheating. I dont know what the check engine code number was. No brakes are not dragging. Oil and coolant level are good. Yes, I have never used anything else but Dexcool and water.

[gapboi210]

Did they bleed the system when they replaced all that. There is a bleeder vavlve up front by the vavlve cover. If they didn't there could be air in the system which may lead to over heating. How far is the temp gauge showing when it is overheating.

[Pancho_peter]

Hey everybody thanx for all of your suggestions, but unfortunately it turns out that the Head gasket was cracked. :'(

[johnholl]

Geez!I hope it's under warranty......There is no reason for these 2 year old engines to go poof. Three cheers for GM! Now, like me, you know why this 3 year old Malibus and Luminas have such a low resale

[bcopeland]

Yes - my 99 Malibu overheated on me and I took it to the dealership. Under warranty, they told me it was the manifold gasket. So I replaced it and by the time I got it home, it was overheating again. Took it back and was told it needed a valve job. About 1 year later, the valves were clacking so I did it all myself - took the heads to a shop for about $300 and fixed all myself with a $100 gasket kit. This was of course after 3 from brake calipers and 4 rotors were replaced.

[johnholl]

There is a Technical Service Bullitan on the installation of the intake manifold gasket...forgot the number. [Applying a sealent, and new torque specs for the attaching bolts]

Anyway, does the problem lay with the matting surfaces or are the OEM gaskets to blame? The best thing to do about the brakes is to replace them, the pads, by yourself at least once a year. I also heard the aftermarket pads are superior that the ones comming from GM