Hello all. Ok so here is one for you guys. I own a 2000 Monte Carlo SS. It has a 3.8. I have recently had the engine replaced due to throwing a rod. The engine came used so I had all gaskets replaced. Here is the problem I am having now. The low coolant light is on when I first start it and it stays on while driving. The car does not over heat in anyway. But I have found just recently if I sit with the car in park and leave the engine running the car reaches almost the half way point on the temp gauge and when the fans kick on and the thermostat opens the low level light goes off and the exhaust is thick white in color as I give it gas. It goes back to normal after I put it in gear and drive it for a couple of miles. The engine runs fine. There is no coolant in the oil. I can only assume I might have to re belch the cooling system and add more coolant. Would I be correct in this assumption? Any help would be most helpful. Thank you all in advance.

 

Your symptoms do sound like there is an air pocket in the cooling system. I would bleed the system and see if that resolves your problems.


As far as the white smoke goes, that is perfectly normal. The cat converter discharges H2o.When it mixes with the heat of the exhaust it creates steam which can be mistaken as smoke. You will see an increase on colder days because of the temperature differential between the exhaust and the ambient temperature.

 

Check your thermostat. Could very well be air bubbles though... Fill your radiator (if it's not full), and the overflow.