Pontiac Repair: 1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE V6, head gasket problem, intake manifold gasket

Question
QUESTION: I just replaced the thermostat and water pump in my car, and I also flushed the radiator.  The engine is still overheating and my low coolant light is coming on even though the coolant is full. What is wrong?

ANSWER: Hey Taylor:

was the water pump replaced for a overheat issue? Was it leaking? Chnaces are that you could have a head gasket issue with this engine. there is a additive that you can add to the coolant and if there is exhaust gases in the cooling system it will show up in the dye you add to the system. I would loom there. When this is running hot does the electric cooling fan(s) come on? the fan should come one somewhere around 225 degreees or so. Alos if the car has A?C and it still works once the a/c is one for say a minute or so the fan should come on as well. If not you may have an issue there.. those are 2 places to start looking. Good luck :)


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The water pump was replaced because I thought that was what was causing the overheating issue, but I don't think it was leaking. The fan works as well, it comes on at about 225 like you said.  so is it probably a head gasket problem?

Answer
It could be but You never know. My best guess it this that It has a coolant leak or did from a lower intake manifold gasket issue, those leak all the time on these engines and it ran low on coolant and started the overheating issue and once it overheated a few times it damaged a head gasket. Usually the right bank (rear) one is the one that leaks has issues on these engines.