Pontiac Repair: Surge tank clogged in 00 Grand Am, intake manifold gasket, coolant level

Question
The coolant level in my grand am is low. I went to add more coolant but when I poured it into the surge tank, it did not show any change in level in the lower part of the tank. I am nowhere close to the fill cold line, but the tank is almost overflowing. I do not want to add any more. There is a rusty build-up in the tank. Could that be causing a clog? I purchased a rust inhibitor additive that I was going to put in with the coolant, but I can't add anything at this point. What can I do?

Answer
Hi Nate:

if the coolant is low in this there is a leak some where. If it's a v6 engine then I'd look at a possable lower intake manifold gasket leaking or a water pump. As for the coolant looking rusty a rust inhibitor is not going to hlep out it's already to late! It will need to be flushed out and fresh coolant added afetr what ever is leaking is fixed. This has dex-cool coolant which has an orange color to it. As for adding more to the tank that has a wierd design with cavities in it and air get trapped in the bottle start the car up with the cap off and as the levle drops down add more coolant. with it running it should purge out the air by it's self. good luck :)