I have a 98 monte carlo, was coming home from store the other day, all of a sudden my heat gauge went over to half way, liked a couple of blocks getting home, drove it home, rusty water coming from back of motor. Can anyone help me?

 

sounds like a heater hose and the rust is from dexcol (orange) very aciddy and i would suggest getting rid of that coolant and checking upper and lower intake manifold...is it a 3.4 or 3.1...rusty coolant normally signs of rusty radiator....im not sure if your year has orange or not but what side of motor????

 

Sounds like it could be a blown hose or possible a lower intake manifold gasket. There is plenty of arguments for and against dex-cool. If you never had the coolant flushed you should look into doing that. The coolant gets old and starts causing problems.

 

Yes it has had dex cool in it, does not now, my son took the cover off the top of the motor, the coolant pipe was plum rusted out, had to get one from the dealership, got it put on, still running hot, fixing to change thermostat. Since that pipe went back would there be a chance of water in the oil now??? I know about the manifold gasket, had that all done 4 years ago and was not cheap at all. I am wondering does the fan at the radiator come on when the motor gets a certain temp or should they come on immediately when i start the car??? thanks all of you so much for the imput, grannie Sharon

 

The fans should turn on at a certain temp. how many miles ago did you replace the gaskets? also you may just have air in the cooling system now that's keeping it running hot. Did you change the coolant again?

 

No have not put any coolant in, just nice clean water. I am checking into the fan relay as the fan is not coming on at all. I sure appreciate everyones help. thanks