bad head gasket

[Decipha]

changed: radiator, thermostat, thermostat housing, elbow (heat exchange tensioner), and the water pump.

car still runs hot... popped the cap off the radiator and smoke came out, smelled just like the exhaust tip... anybody got any idea what could be wrong? cat still has power, no misses, no water in oil, nothing that would indicate a bad head gasket... any advice is greatly appreciated

[Decipha]

^^car still has power**

[BNaylor]

What year Grand Prix is this and what engine?

Have you confirmed whether the thermostat is opening and are the cooling fans kicking in? What is the temp gauge reading?

[Decipha]

97 gt 3.8 non sc

yup thermostat opens right at about 160 and the fans kick on when the a/c is on temp gauge reads right above 210, the coolant isin't circulating like it should its kicking the water out the radiator and lots of smoke, not steam, SMOKE like exhaust smoke

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Decipha

97 gt 3.8 non sc

yup thermostat opens right at about 160 and the fans kick on when the a/c is on temp gauge reads right above 210, the coolant isin't circulating like it should its kicking the water out the radiator and lots of smoke, not steam, SMOKE like exhaust smoke

Bummer! Doesn't sound good. Are you losing any coolant?

I'd run a compression test to confirm whether it is the head gaskets but it is starting to sound like that or maybe a warped or cracked head.

[corning_d3]

I'd install an air fitting into the sparkplug hole and hook it up to shop air. Then pull off the radiator cap and look for bubbles. Both valves have to be closed for this to work..