Why does your Z34 Monte Carlo lose power when the hot engine light goes on and the temp gauge red lines?

Answer 1

Three tests. 1st, when engine is running, check for exhaust pressure coming out. You can have a bad catalyctic converter, the hotter it gets, it blocks off and causes the engine to overheat and stall out. 2nd, I gather you have checked your coolant level at the radiator cap to be sure you have a full radiator first. Start engine and let run for about 5 minutes (with cap in place), remove cap to see if coolant is circulating, if not you have a bad thermostat, replace. 3rd, if your coolant level seems to be brownish or low often with no visable leaks, check engine oil in morning before starting vehicle. Notice if your level is too high, it could have coolant in the engine from a bad head gasket. another way to verify that is to blot dipstick with a paper towel, if there is water in the oil the water expand up into the towel where as (cold) oil will slowly imbed into the towel. Any engine overheating effects performance, it's best to stop the vehicle before it gets to that stage!