2000 LS V6 Overheating

My 2000 LS V6 is overheating. Fan seems okay. I replaced thermostat. Still overheating. What's weird is the 2 hoses above the thermostat housing are piping hot, while the hose beneath the housing is cool. Possible I replaced a bad thermostat with a bad one from the factory? Any thoughts are appreciated.

Was anything done to the cooling system just prior to the overheating that could have introduced air in to the system? Did you bleed the cooling system after installing the new thermostat?

I'd have to take a look at the cooling system images again to see if the 2 hoses that are getting hot are on the block side of the thermostat or the radiator side. If on the radiator side, it wouldn't make sense for them to be hot and the hose on the block side to the be cool if the thermostat were the issue.

-Rod

Hi Rod,

Nothing specific to the cooling system but the car has been sitting for several months. I did bleed the system but not 100% sure I was doing it right as I couldn't find any instructions specific to the V6. As far as the hoses, the 2 coming in to the housing from above, 1 is from the upper radiator hose and the second is from the water pump (I think) the lower hose appears to go toward the lower radiator. Thanks for all you help over the years. It's worth noting that I got the new thermostat at AutoZone and the lady there said "Our thermostats suck, I had to go through 3 to find one that worked for my van" so she ordered me in the "upgraded" thermostat. Should have it tonight.

The procedure to bleed the cooling system really needs the images to make sense I think. If you'd like a PDF copy, send me a PM with your e-mail address. I probably have it somewhere already, but it could take me some looking to find.

-Rod