I have a 97 v6 camaro rs and it is having cooling problems, i have changed the thermostat and the water pump and changed the serpantine belt while i was at it and it is still overheating, and just right now it looks like smoke or steam (not sure) is coming from under the engine. help is much appreciated thank you guys

 

if u r losing coolant u r going to need to find were the coolant is going. could be the intake manifold gasket, a failing hose.

 

It may be the infamous "Black Coolant Elbow" underneath the throttle body.

 

Engine Overheating

Step


Action


Value


Yes


No

DEFINITION: Engine temperature lamp comes ON and stays ON, or the temperature gauge shows hot, or coolant overflows from the reservoir onto the ground while the engine is running.

1


Check for a loss of coolant. Refer to Loss of Coolant .

Is there a loss of coolant?


--


--


Go to Step 2

2


1. Check for weak engine coolant solution.
2. Do a concentration test. Refer to Coolant Concentration Testing .

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 3


System OK

3


1. Check for obstructed radiator air flow or bent radiator fins.
2. If necessary, remove or relocate added-on parts that block air to the radiator. Clean away any bugs, leaves, or other debris.

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 4


System OK

4


1. Check for a loss of system pressure.
2. Do a radiator fill cap pressure test. Refer to Radiator Cap .

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 5


System OK

5


1. Check for a faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor. Refer to Section 8A.
2. If necessary, replace the sensor.

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 6


System OK

6


1. Check for a damaged coolant recovery reservoir.
2. Check for a leaking or kinked reservoir hose.
3. If necessary, reroute the reservoir hose or replace the recovery reservoir. Refer to Coolant Recovery Reservoir Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 7


System OK

7


1. Check for a loose accessory drive belt.
2. Check the tension of the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical.

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 8


System OK

8


1. Check for advanced or retarded ignition timing.
2. If necessary, adjust the timing. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement in Engine Mechanical.

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 9


System OK

9


1. Check for blocked cooling system passages.
2. Flush the cooling system. Refer to Flushing .
3. If necessary, remove and inspect the cylinder head.

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 10


System OK

10


1. Check for an incorrect or damaged cooling fan blade(s).
2. Check for the correct fan blade(s) part number.
3. If necessary, replace the fan blade(s). Refer to Electric Cooling Fan .

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 11


System OK

11


1. Check for inoperative cooling fans. Refer to Engine Controls.
2. If necessary, replace the cooling fan and motor. Refer to Electric Cooling Fan .

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 12


System OK

12


1. Check for a stuck closed thermostat. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis .
2. If necessary, replace the thermostat. Refer to refer to Thermostat Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 13


System OK

13


1. Check for a faulty water pump.
2. If necessary, replace the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .

Does the engine still overheat?


--


Go to Step 14


System OK

14


1. Check for a damaged water pump driveshaft 5.7L (VIN P).
2. If necessary, replace the water pump driveshaft. Refer to Section A or replace the water pump. Refer to Water Pump Replacement .

Is the engine still overheating?


--


Go to Step 15


System OK

15


1. Check the radiator cooling capacity. Refer to Section B.A.
2. Check if the radiator is the proper size for the vehicle.
3. If necessary, determine the proper radiator size and replace the radiator. Refer to Radiator Replacement .

Is the repair complete?


--


System OK


--

 

Ooo I'm an 'expert' at this one. All 3 vehicles I've owned so far have all given me cooling problems within the first 3 months of owning them. If there's steam coming off, then there's a leak somewhere and it's hitting the engine block (which is hot) which is causing that. All of my problems ended up being a cracked tank, which obviously, you can't fix and has to be replaced. With my Camaro, the crack caused a loss in coolant which then made it overheat and also gave it a nice air lock. Had to take it to a shop to get replaced. It also did not have a thermostat at all. You have to find out where it's coming from and go from there. Like I said though, all of mine were from cracked tanks. Plastic doesn't last forever.