Possible overheating problem?

[Camarorulz]

I was driving tonight and noticed my check gauges light came on; looked at the temperature gauge and it was almost maxed out while I was in a drivethru.....I pulled around, popped the hood to try and tell if there was a lot more heat than normal...the intake was hot but I couldn't tell. I got back in the car and the gauge was back down to normal. Then it started fluctuating higher than normal.

After I turned off the car I popped the hood and heard fluid gushing around somewhere in there. I don't know what's up, maybe my water pump is going bad? This scared the crap out of me. Any quick responses are greatly appreciated.

[camaroincal]

Re: Possible overheating problem?

Is there any coolant leaking? Did you check the coolant level? Were you racing around and red-lining the car lately? It could be as simple as a stuck(bad) thermostat or as bad as a cracked head(s) and/or blown head gasket(s).

[Camarorulz]

Re: Possible overheating problem?

I checked the coolant level this morning and on the dipstick it was WAY below the cold indicator- coolant only came up about 3/4" on the dipstick. I don't think it's a bad thermo or gauge now- I don't see any leaking, but from what i've read the water pump can leak slowly while running.

[Camarorulz]

Re: Possible overheating problem?

Update: I went for a short test drive today and warmed it up, then went home and checked it. Coolant goes up all the way to the top of the dipstick, where it says "Full Hot." Does this mean my coolant levels are OK? Is it safe to put water in to test it?

[NOS2006]

Re: Possible overheating problem?

This happened to me last year. How long has this been going on? You can actually go for months like this to figure out the problem as long as it's the same thing as mine...

We replaced the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets, new thermostat, and a coolant flush.. all good now!