overheating

First of all, I wouldn't jump straight to what this guy is wanting to sell. Here are a few starting points. When the car is cold, pull the oil dipstick. How does the oil look? If it is clear, dark (after a few thousand miles and you're due for a change), then we can eliminate a head gasket issue. However, given what you've described above, I suspect that when you pull the dipstick you are going to find what we call "chocolate milkshake". This occurs when the head gasket has a leak or is fully blown. In these cases, it will cause the coolant to mix the motor oil resulting in what looks like a chocolate milkshake. That is why the car is most likely over heating. I think this "mechanic" is referring to the valve cover gasket, which if the Grand Prix has the 3.8L V6 the timing chain can over time, cause a leak of the valve cover. The water pump and the valve cover/gasket are all part of a normal timing chain replacement however, that shouldn't be occurring under normal conditions on these engines until 150k+mi's. I would have the car towed (MOST INSURANCE HAS FREE TOWING) to another shop that is recommended by someone you know to get a 2nd opinion. A valve gasket is like $10 on Amazon. PLEASE, get a 2nd opinion. If you have questions, feel free to direct message me, or reply here! Best of Luck -sixfootsix_car_guy

It's quite likely air trapped in the system. There is a bleeder valve near the thermostat that is used to release trapped air although even that sometimes doesn't work. The system may need to be drained and refilled using a vacuum devise to draw the air out. The whole gasket thing you're being told about makes no sense at all.

Well my friend I'm going to advanced level technician and I hate to tell you but you got played so my suggestion to you is go back to the shop that did the work and punched the owner right in the mouth submit answer

It's been over two years. I'm guessing he's got it resolved. Thanks for playing though. Very helpful advice.

I have a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix and it keeps over heating after I have put in a brand new radiator, new thermostat and a new water pump however, the steam is coming out near the water pump but not coming from the water pump.

Sounds like a gasket possibly allowing coolant to leak from the engine and down onto the exhaust, causing the steam. Also the plastic elbows that take coolant from the engine to the heater core are prone to leak although they usually just fail and you loose all your coolant at once. And of course make sure all the hoses are on tight and in good shape. The overheating sounds like air trapped in the system. This is very common after doing work on it and refilling it. There is a purge valve up by the thermostat that is used to release trapped air, but sometimes event that is not enough. Sometimes draining and refilling with the car facing uphill helps the air find its way out of the system as you fill it. If all of this fails have it pressure tested at a shop that specializes in cooling system repairs. They also have the vacuum tools necessary to refil the system with no air left behind.