Why does a 1996 firebird over heat?

Answer 1

Many reasons, we need more info. Cold be a stuck closed thermostat, plugged radiator, computer setting timing too retarded, improperly set distributer, lean fuel mix , injectors low pressure causing lean condition, cooling system blockage, one of the mose common is a bad radiator cap. Your cap should be tested and it must hold pressure. If it does not hold pressure, your boiling point of the coolant will be lower. For every pound of pressure you have, it raises the boiling point 15 deg. F. Do not use pure coolant, use only the recommended mix, usually 50/50 coolant/water. Using pure coolant will not protect more, it portects less. If these is a leak in one of the hoses, that will not allow presure also and could overheat. But then you'd see the leak on the ground. Could be a head gasket blown, allowing coolant to get to the cylinders . So, you see, you really need to do some basic checks first, check that cap. Good luck!