I am not sure what it is but sounds like some troubleshooting to start with is in order.

1. First things first.....DO NOT DRIVE until you find out what the problem is. Hopefully it is something fairly simple but further heating/cooling/heating cycles will put additional heat stress and potential further damage. If it isnt a head gasket it could VERY SOON be.

2. What have you replaced lately? Start backwards and also start simple.

If....god forbid....god forbid........it is a head gasket then obviously you know that is expensive, but further hints for proper reconstructive surgery. A little pricey but since the engine is basically torn apart might as well get it done now. Also remember you may not be able to diagnose what bank it is so r/r both heads and gaskets.... Make sure you get heads machined smooth.

1 Head Gasket X2...Obviously...other members will chime in soon but Fel-Pro seems to be a pretty popular brand and common.

1B. Since you are in the neighborhood.......Block freeze plugs..... They probably wont be much more accessible than they are now.....other than removing the block.

2. Timing chain and associated hardware.

3. Radiator. OEM quality, but dealer costs around $450

4. Water pump (Bosch is my personal recommendation but not from PepBoys)

5. Fan Clutch.

6. Thermostat.

7. Radiator CAP....The vented type that can relieve pressure if you do overheat.

8. Good high quality system flush.

9. Service cooling system as necessary....Don't forget the 4.7 "Burping" procedure to get air pockets out.

10. Remember don't cheap out on poor quality hardware like head bolts, sealants, adhesives etc....follow instructions for drying/curing times.

11. Oil change maybe even two right after repair....if you are going with two then you can use basic oil change......... I would space them about 1000-2000 miles apart to make sure filter catches any excess coolant in oil or shavings from engine debris.

It may sound expensive but remember the alternative..... and possibly having to go back in.

If it is not the head gasket then I still recommend all the above steps minus the Head Gasket, Timing Chain and Freeze Plugs.......Do not overlook good inspection of freeze plugs though.


Good Luck!!

 

Have you done a Hydrocarbon test on the radiator yet to see if you have it in your coolant? If you do then it's a head gasket.

 

Ooops forgot to add to the list.....GoodYear GatorBack serpentine belt. I understand that A/Z stopped selling them so you might have to amazon or google but worth the price especilly if you have gone this far in the repair.

 

i havent tested it for that yet but i plan to real soon ...i took it to the car wash yesterday and sprayed the radiator out... then took it for a drive down the highway...it sarted to get warm but didnt overheat.. but i did get it to heat up alittle when i was going back home and got off the highway ... it took about 4 or 5 stop signs every stop sign i would get on it pretty good to keep the engine working ... it start to get warm but the check gauges light didnt come on like it did a couple days ago ... but it was 95 degrees then.. yesterday was about 88...i dunno ... but i do know that when it is hotter than the middle line and i take the radiator cap off i can see bubbling in there where the coolant is.... when its running normal temps there is no buibbling...i was looking at the testers and there 35 dollars...the guy at the part store told me aqbout the stuff ... i think the name was KTR or KTH or somthing like that .it is a sealer you put in the radiator its like 15 dollars for a small bottle but i guess he said it is real good .. i dunno if it will fix a exghuast gasket leak into the coolant ..i really hope its not a headgasket...guess i will have to try and test it to find out... good thing is there is no coolant in oil and no oil in coolant