l was told 1st to replace the water pump-Done.Then the thermostat-Done. Still overheating--Now told maybe the intake manifold gasket--Expensive.Should l do it HOPING it will solve my problem or is there something else l should do first.Do not have much more money for this rip off try this try that etc.HELP

There is more than one possible cause. Could be ignition timing too far advanced. Could need radiator flushed or rodded out.

If it got hot at all you either cracked your head or blew a gasket. The reason a car overheats when you blow a head gasket or crack the head is the compression from the motor escapes into your water jacket and creates millions of tiny bubbles. When this happens it causes the water inyour cooling system to sit still. because there is not enough buyonce to circulate the water. Have the head gasket and head removed and do it right. Stop all the guess work! GOODLUCK!!

My vote is for a defective radiator cooling fan motor. This fan should run all the time when A/C is on.

Crank the engine, turn on the A/C & look at the fan. Fan should be running & engine should not overheat.

Occasionally, the fan motor temperature sensor will go bad. Engine will overheat & fan will not start until u turn the A/C on.

Both r inexpensive & relatively easy to change.

BTW, if u r not doing the work yourself, find another mechanic.

get a new car

If the car only over heats while driving you should check the radiator. Let the car worm up and feel from top to bottom on the radiator it shoould feel close to the same. If there are any cold spots part of it is clogged and your not getting enough flow.

This car has the common problem with intake manifold gasket failures. Before you go though the expense of replacing head gaskets you have to take off the intake. If the intake gasket is leaking it will create air pockets in the coolant system. This will make the car overheat. Make sure you bleed the coolant system as per the instructions in your repair manual. Usually if you have a head gasket problem you will have water in the oil.

l have a 1999 Monte Carlo too wish l knew more about cars myself. Being a woman l get ripped off all the time. Just found out the lid was called a hood. Thanks for asking this question maybe l can learn something too. Love, honey