:::1996 Pontiac Sunfire Overheating:::

[NikeTalker23]

My sunfire started overheating. I checked the Thermostat and replaced it. When I ran the car without the Thermostat it wouldn't overheat but it was running with very high RPMs and it jerked and felt forced. When I put the new Thermostat in, it would overheat again. Someone please help me out! I'm a college student, dont have a lot of funds and this is the only car I can use for school and work. Also, my waterpump got replaced a few years ago so I dont think it's that. I mean if it was the water pump/radiator/etc why does it not overheat without the thermostat? Wouldn't that happen with the thermostat removed as well? Thanks.

[jakegday]

just cuz a thermostat is new doesnt mean its good

[NikeTalker23]

Originally Posted by jakegday

just cuz a thermostat is new doesnt mean its good

so should I go buy another new one?

[taillight]

Is the fan running ? Is the radiator sluged up ?

[NikeTalker23]

The fan is on, a strange noise is coming out of my engine though..Sounds like it's coming near one of the belts. Could it be the water pump?

[taillight]

Yes it could.

[jakegday]

if your water pump was the problem, it still would have overheated without the thermostat, but you said it didnt,

try exchanging your thermostat before just going in there and buying a new one, you could also put it in a pan of boiling water and see if it opens, however thats a pretty shitty test since you have no idea what temperature the water is when the thermostat is open, like it could be a 180 degree thermostat, that doesnt open till 200 degrees, that thermostat would be bad but you wouldnt know it cuz the boiling water would have opened it up anyways

[littleone4444]

I am having same problem- changed therm twice- w/o therm doesnt overheat and if i out therm in it overheats ???? what the heck