Pontiac Repair: gettig hot, coolant level, coolant leak

Question
I have a 1997 ponatic transport and it started going up to the red getting hot within a mile. When I got out to check it the top hose on the drivers side was flattened out and the lower hose was flat also. I was told to change my cap and it worked I now have full hoses but they are onnly full of steam and the radiator is ice cold but the hose is very hot. I dont know where to start now....

Answer
Hi Ken:

Well first off make sure the system is full. These are hard to bleed the air out of. there is a bleeder screw in the pipe just above the water pump. open that and fill the system. run the van and crack that bleeder when the van is running untill you get coolant out of it then close it. keep an eye on the temp gauge as not to over heat it. I'm sure this has a coolant leak somehere and that was the root cause to this. Maybe a lower inatke manifold gasket or worse a head gasket if it really over heated badly. if you get the air out and it doesn't over heat keep an eye on the coolant level for the next few days to see if the coolant level drops if so it's leaking it or burning it. That is where I would start. Good luck :)