Okay, this may be elementary stuff to most of you, but im no mechanic, and I cant figure out why my motor is running so hot.

(Just to clarify, I have the 3.1 MPFI)

When I first noticed the car running so hot, I ran through a few basic things:

1 - Made sure the fan is coming on, and it is.
2 - Checked the oil. Even though I do a change every 3000 miles, I looked at it anyways. Plenty of oil.
3 - Checked coolant levels. This is where im confused...

I am aware of a small coolant leak somewhere under the car when it is hot. But it isnt very significant. In spite of that, the radiator has plenty of coolant in it, but there is none in the overfill tank. So, I put some water in my overfill tank, ran the car, and it still ran hot. (The water in the overfill tank went away, too.)

So, we know I keep oil in it, we know it has coolant, we know the fan is working, so what could be the cause? Could the radiator have some blockage? Could some sensors be going screwy or could there be a vacuum leak? BTW, when it gets running hot, it 'smells' like it needs water, but always appears to have enough in the radiator.

One more thing, any good ideas for removing a sparkplug that is REALLY stuck in the block? (I.E, two able bodied men both pulling on the wrench cant loosen it.)

Sorry for the long post, I was trying to cover all the details, so I didnt have to keep posting minor things I may have forgotton.

OH yes, I just remembered, I pulled the radiator hose and cleaned it out.. it was in okay shape but I flushed it anyways.. that cant be it.

Any advice at all is appreciated.

 

2 more things to check...
thermostat.
the radiator deflector unter the car

 

When's the last time you flushed your radiator ? . I have fixed both my parents "run hot " problems on their cars by flushing their radiator . Put your car in park and set the emergency brake on and give it some gas , watch the bottem radiator hose , does i collapse or bend alot when you give it the gas , if so , you need a new hose .

You may think this is "elementary stuff " BUT , I've had mechanics not be able to diagnose why my car ran hot . Besides , we all have to start leaning somewhere .

 

ive had the same problem on a few cars, its your theromostat, replace that and it should run cooler..

 

What do you mean by it smells? Do you smell antifreeze fluid comming out from the tail pipes? Running hot can blow a head gasket, and allow antifreeze and water to get into the cylinders not allowing proper cooling. I'll look for a pic of my airdamn

 

you should check for the air dam under the front bumper it should be a grey plastic piece (it might be firebird only) if thats not there you won't get any air through the rad i made mine about 2" lower so i get alot more air

 

You say you notice a small leak when its hot? ANY leak will cause the system to loose pressure, and any pressure lose will result in overheating... other than that, check the bottom of the car for the lower shroud thing, and go ahead and switch out the hoses and thermostat for a 180 degree one. Cheap insurance, and probably has never been done anyway