Overheating?

2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM
180,000 MILES • 3.4L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SHANNON M SULLIVAN-HERWEHE
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I changed the thermostat no visible leaks. Filled with new coolant now overflow is low and has dirty looking coolant in it. Have no heat either. Could it be a bad freeze plug? How many plugs does it have and how can I tell if 1 is bad??
Dec 27, 2022 at 9:51 AM
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STRAILER
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If a freeze plug is bad, you will see coolant leaks under the engine, it sounds like the coolant is low still or you have a bad thermostat not opening to allow you to fill the system. When the engine is overheating, can you hear the cooling fans come on? The no heater problem is telling us the coolant is low or the heater core is plugged.

Here are two guides to help you figure out what's going on:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-heater-not-working

Please go over these guides and report back.
Dec 27, 2022 at 11:31 AM
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SHANNON M SULLIVAN-HERWEHE
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The fans were kicking on I don't think they are now I started it and let it run for 5 or 10 minutes and it got hot so I turned it off, but the fans did not kick on.
Dec 27, 2022 at 7:10 PM
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SHANNON M SULLIVAN-HERWEHE
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I have replaced the thermostat but not the gasket. Possibly got a bad thermostat??
Dec 27, 2022 at 7:11 PM
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STRAILER
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It is possible you got a defective thermostat also if the thermostat has an air bleed hole it must be at the top. Also, you can start the engine and allow it to warm up with the radiator cap off. Do not allow it to get too hot, then shut the engine off and the heat soak should allow the coolant level to drop once the thermostat opens. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Dec 29, 2022 at 1:20 PM