2000 Chevy Malibu over heating after water pump change. How do I know that its NOT the head gasket?

I'm having the thermostat changed as we speak... I'd like the think thats the answer, but I wanna make for certain that its not the head gasket. How would I be sure?2000 Chevy Malibu over heating after water pump change. How do I know that its NOT the head gasket?Previous answer is correct, check to see if there is any oil mix in with the antifreeze
2000 Chevy Malibu over heating after water pump change. How do I know that its NOT the head gasket?
oil in the water or water in the oil is a bad sign
2000 Chevy Malibu over heating after water pump change. How do I know that its NOT the head gasket?
check the oil for a chocolate milk color
three head gasket syptoms

1. white smoke out of exhaust

2. oil level increase,check dipstick for overfill and chocolate brown in color.

3. Hard cranking , slow starting
if u don't c the oil in water-water in oil thing - try a pressure tester on the radiator-with it running, c if it KEEPS building pressure.or check tailpipe 4 continuous water vapor - OR pressure test the radiator %26amp; if the pressure goes down in 2 the cylinder - that's where its blown.OR check the radiator with it running %26amp; C if there are bubbles that keep coming up

lookin down in the rad.
A head gasket problem will more then likely cause the engine to miss. or a possible white smoke from the exhaust pipe. more info would be needed, like if the cooling fan is coming on, radiator is in good shape, radiator cap is functioning properly, etc. A thermostat that failed could be the cause of overheating if you are not experiencing other things also.
Everyone sees the forest but not the trees, hahaha



Yes, like they said above, basically check the OIL dipstick and see if you see any condensation or white stuff in the oil. This is the water mixing with the oil.



If it still overheats and no indication of oil, OR water leaks, then your radiator core is clugged up somehow. Or if you have fans they may not be working? Here is the section on troubleshooting from Auto Zone on your car. Also do you have 4 or 6 cylinder? Do the fans work? Anymore problemos get back to me. I will be on for another 3 hours.



http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker鈥?/a>

Priority Action Part Type Cause

1 Inspect Belt Incorrectly routed, adjusted(tensioned), missing or worn drive belt(s).

2 Inspect Radiator Obstructed radiator core or radiator cooling fins.

3 Inspect Radiator Cap Worn or damaged radiator cap

4 Inspect Radiator Fan Motor Worn or damaged cooling fan motor or circuit.

5 Inspect Thermostat Defective thermostat

6 Inspect Water Pump Damaged, worn or leaking water pump.
check the oil if it's milky then there's water in it. then probable head gasket