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The 3.5 is a stout engine. When it go's into overheat, individual cylinders are turned off, preventing combustion in the cylinder. The cool gas is used to help cool each cylinder down. It was a pretty cool version of a limp mode that GM used exclusively on the North and Short Start motors.

While I have heard of 3.5's blowing head gaskets, it isn't very common.

Yes, the cooling system is a pressurized system, that does not need bleed out.

Ryan, if you still have Rob's number (the guy you got the mountain of Alero parts off of) give him a call. I don't know many people (including mechanics) that know more about the Northstart and Shortstar engines than him. Otherwise if you need it, email or PM me.

Ya I put the car up for sale and Rob sent me an email thru craigs list.

He is supposed to be digging out a set of coils for me to try/borrow.

Since my last post Ive done some work to the car.

I did a compression test and it does have compression. I pulled the water pump off and hoses to make sure there is no coolant blockages. All good. I pulled the TStat out as its a replacement and I believe it was stuck. Actually Ive been told its highly common for the non-OEM ones to stick...

Ive got the car back on E bay and CL. I need to get it running to keep or to sell. Or just sell it. It was a mistake of a car, thats for sure.

If you talk to Rob give him a nudge :) Ive been waiting over a week now to borrow those coils :)

Truthfully, I haven't heard from him much lately. I travel so much with my job that I kind of lose track of all of my friends. Especially with him living clear across town.

Ya he seems hard to get a hold of.

Eh I broke down and bought them today. $36 shipped. Not bad.