overheating? wont start

[91EURO3.1L]

Last night i installed a new chrome intake with k&n air filter and today after driving for about 6 miles my car died. I look at my dash and my coolant temp was 220 and the check engine light wasn't on. I pulled over, turned the car off, looked under the hood and white smoke was coming out of the filter. I grabbed the hoses connected to the radiator to see how hot they were. The top one was really hot and the one one the bottom wasnt at all. I dont know if it would happen because the water pump or the thermostat is bad. I let it cool back down and tried starting it. Nothing. I got it towed to my house and I checked coolant level(full), battery voltage(12.44),and oil was also fine. Tried starting it again. Still nothing. I'm not sure what the problem could be.

Also, for the past month or two the car has been makeing weird noises. The car would idle rough and it also sounds like something was clicking and when the car is turned off I hear a hissing noise which normaly lasts about 1 minute.

I probably shouldent have ignored the waring signs. If any one has simalar problems or any ideas for me I would greatly appreciate it.


P.S. 1991 Chevy Lumina Euro 3.1L

[richtazz]

12.44 volts is a little low. A fully charged battery produces 2.1-2.2 volts per cell, so 12.6-13.2 is normal. It is highly possible that the battery has voltage, and enough power to run the radio, dome light and such, but not enough amperage to crank the car. Have the battery tested, and make sure all your connections are clean and tight. There is a ground that goes to the bracket under the factory air cleaner assembly that may have come off or is corroded. The white smoke from the air cleaner is probably vapor from the crankcase. The factory air inlet has a tube that runs to the rear valve cover, and is part of the crankcase ventilation system. If this tube isn't hooked up, it will allow the hydrocarbons to build up in the crankcase and it comes out as a white smoke, normally out the throttle body from the pcv valve. Make sure the PCV valve isn't gunked up with sludge. The fans don't come on until about 230, so 220 isn't overheating.

[91EURO3.1L]

Thanks for replying. I got a new battery last night and tried to start the car again but still nothing. Also when I changed my air filter a couple of nights ago I noticed that there was some oil that was coming out of the throttle body. Would that be because of the PCV valve?

[tblake]

just pull the pcv valve out, its the little thing attached between an air hose and the front valve cover. i it rattles when you shake it, chances are its good. if not replace it, 3 bux at wall-mart.