> "LiMa"
> > > My car overheats rather quickly. I can drive only a few
> > miles before
> > > the gauge points all the way to the red. Twice, I have
> > stopped the
> > > car, opened the hood and seen coolant exploding out of the
> > coolant
> > > overfill cap.
> > >
> > > My car is a 1995 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, V8, 5.7 L,
> > 134,000 mi,
> > > 6-speed.
> > >
> > > I had the thermostat replaced. Then, today, my new mechanic > > checked
> > > the radiator for leaks and blockage and found none. He
> > looked at the
> > > water pump, which he said seemed fine.
> > >
> > > My mechanic is wondering if there may be a problem with the
> > (his
> > > words) "water pump connector to timing chain output." He
> > also
> > > wonders if the heater core may be the culprit. As a worst
> > case
> > > scenario, he wonders if the cooling jackets may need to be
> > replaced.
> > >
> > > ANY INFO IS MUCH APPRECIATED. I've searched the internet,
> > but I am
> > > not finding a general consensus about why my Trannsy is
> > overheating.
> > >
> > > --
> >
> > Have you checked the timing?
>
> Bruce Chang, what do you mean by timing? . . . the timing belt?
>
> Anyhow, the ignition switch is fine. :( There is a wire that is not
> sending a signal. The possible culprit may be the factory security
> system. Unfortunately, my mechanic is not an expert with electrical
> wiring. We're going to ask a local Pontiac dealership for help. >
> Sadly, I'm out of money (poor college student), so I must wait at
> least a month before going to the Pontiac dealership.
>
> I'll keep you all posted. I'm really thankful for your suggestions. > :)
>
No, I meant the ignition timing meaning the position of the distributor. Does the Opti have timing you can set?
As to your ignition switch, if you have VATS (a key with a little resistor chip in it), if the factory security system is giving you a problem, the "security" light should be lit. If you have any engineering friends or ones that work on cars or stereos, have them take a look at it. You can bypass the VATS and if the ignition switch is fine, you can get your car back on the road and replace the ignition switch (because it contains the VATS "sensor") later at your convienence and when you have money.
-Bruce