1994 Trans Am coolant overflow

TRACYFEATHERS

MEMBER
1994 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS

Just rebuilt 5.7L v8 for 1994 Firebird Trans Am. After hitting 100 miles on rebuilt engine, overheated and Low Coolant light came on. Changed the Coolant Temp Sending Unit and Coolant Temp Sensor, thermostat, radiator cap. Light went off, all was thought to be well. However, when I give it gas (whether driving or parked) coolant gushes out the overflow resevoir. I have checked coolant levels, burped all air out, checked hoses (No holes, leaks, etc.) But discovered hose leading from radiator to bleeder valve is bone dry. Didn't find any blockages in the hose, but can't understand why is shoots water out the resevoir but no watter present in the overflow hose. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in Advance!

3 Replies

MIKEYBDMAN

MECHANIC
623 POSTS

Im trying to understand, but what you are saying is a little confusing. The bleeder vent should be located on the water outlet tube right over your thermostat. If that hose is dry, then your thermostat is not opening, or you have a blockage in your engine. Another possible cause could be a sheared water pump, however odd that may be.
Now, since you say the water is gushing out when you accelerate indicated that maybe it is a blockage and the water pump is back pressurizing the radiator making the water flow out of the severvoir. Of sourse you then said the over flow tube was dry, which makes no sense if that is the only hose connected from the radiator to the resevoir.
Blown head gasket keeps rattling in the back of my mind also, but hopefully it isnt that major.