Chevrolet Repair: 95 grand am gt, combustion gases, cylinder heads

Question
i have a question about an overheating problem and loss power. I have been told the engine overheated and then was parked. a couple of days maybe weeks after it was drove a block and was checked out a little but couldn't find any problems then drove back a block. My question would be where would the first place to start and see what caused or may cause problems later with the overheating? I've heard various things it could be but not all to promising. I am
thinking on buying the car but wanted to know what i was getting into before i stepped into deep.  Thanks alot. David

Answer
Hey,

Be vary wearing about buying a car that is overheating. It could be something as bad as a 12 dollar CTS for the gauge thta is incorrect, a 600 dollar waterpump, 750 intake gaskets or 1500 cylinder heads.  IF it was a car that was overheated all the time the engine might be cooked by now anyways.  Take it to a mechanic and have the cooling system thoroughly inspected including checking for combustion gases in the cooling system.

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