Looking for a little input from someone who may have experienced a similar issue. My 2002 SS (3800 Engine) with 143k miles, is overheating. It was loosing coolant ealier this year and I put a water pump on it only to find out the actual issue was the elbow (Thanks Monte Carlo Forum!).

The coolant seems to get hot quickly from driving up hills and/or highway speeds. I've had a mechanic look at it and he is 60% confident that it is the head gaskets. Tonight I put a thermostat and radiator cap on it with no changes. I have bled the system. It appears to hold pressure so the gasket becomes an issue at temperature? There is some slight external leakage on the passenger side under the car. Is it possible that the intake manifold gaskets I keep reading about are causing this?


Little frustrated and trying to decide if this is something I want to tear into. Thanks,
Craig

 

Whens the last time you did a full flush on the cooling system? Are you useing a 50/50 mix?....
I just put a new radiator in mine...and did a flush...Now its back to normal operateing temps...

Could be that elbows leaking....Its best to use a OEM elbow...Not a dorman replacement(O-rings dont seal) from the local auto parts....
To much anti-freeze will also cause a overheating issue...

Maybe someone else will chime in with other ideas...