I own this 3.1 and I'm having a problem with it overheating intermittingly.
I installed new thermostat thinking that may be the issue but it didn't
correct it. I found the bleeder valve and let the air out of the cooling
lines but it seems to keep re-appearing... Maybe the air lock is causing
the overheating?? Maybe the head gasket is bad. Has anyone run into this
issue. The temp gauge will climb (no heat out of heater) then fall fast
(instant heat out of heater). This happens again and again...

Please help!
Thank you!

Riepman wrote:
Definitely air in the system. Perhaps a lot of air. When a slug of hot
water hits the heater it then blows hot air.
If you can get it to a garage or borrow/rent a sniffer, test the air in
the overflow for combustion gases (head gasket leak).
Are you aware of the intake leak problems with the 3.1?

No, I'm not aware of the air intake leak problem in the 3.1. Do you have
more information repairing it, etc? Thanks!

In article <7bc13455d2ff8bab1091350b95f55d47
@localhost.talkaboutautos.com>, bmrieper (AT) iglide (DOT) net says...
this problem was cured by replacing the radiator cap.

Thank you, I'll now return to lurking...

--

Drum-

Thanks Drum, I'm open to any suggestion at this point. Thanks.

Riepman wrote:
Drumstick had an excellent suggestion about replacing the cap.
I had to put a new on my G/A a couple of years ago.

Many (all?) GM 2.8,3.1,3.4 engines will have an intake water leak.
Repair involves installing new intake gaskets in the proper way.
Use Google to find out about intake leaks:

gm engine "60 degree" leak intake

Well, this is now fixed. It did end up being the intake manifold gasket.
I went ahead and had them replace the head gaskets while they were in
there. $1,000 bill... gotta love these Pontiac's...

Well, this is now fixed. It did end up being the intake manifold gasket.
I went ahead and had them replace the head gaskets while they were in
there. $1,000 bill... gotta love these Pontiac's...

changeing the water pump on the 88 grand am is a chore....unfortuantly i'm
stuck with mine...some day i'll get a new car....so far with in the last
year...new oilpan new oil pump (changed through years why i had get new pan
with oil pump) new break caliper, new brake line, 2 front wheel bearings,
right now...i have to replaced the steering column...radio died as
well...hmmm floor pans gone too...back end isn't on the frame
anymore.......patience is the key

--
Hatch
http://www.ifeellikebitching.com
"Somestimes you just have to say something"
"Riepman" <bmrieper (AT) iglide (DOT) net> wrote