1995 Pontiac Firebird NO heat HIGH temp gauge SMOKE from ta

CAMELKNUCKLES

MEMBER
1995 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Hello I have a 95 Firebird. Recently on one day to work I noticed that my heat wasn't working and that my temperature gauge was going from ok all the way to the red line and it sometimes stays there and other times it fluctuates back and forth. Also it looked like I was losing coolant, so got some more and Also now my car is shaking really bad (mostly when idling)and there is smoke coming from the tailpipe and by the time I got home from driving it for 10 min. You could literally hear the coolant bubbling while the temperature stayed at hot and smoke was coming out and no heat. ANY idea(s) what it is? PLEASE HELP ME!

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Its probably the thermostat is shut closed and blew the headgasket for the smoke out of the tailpipe.

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following: Thermostat, Pressure test the Rad. Cap, Clogged radiator, Fan clutch, Radiator electrical fan, collaspe hoses, water pump.