GM 3.4L Overheating - 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette?

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H² 4Ever

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My 2000 Oldsmobile Silhouette has 116,000 miles and has started having an overheating issue. If the engine is idling and the vehicle is not moving, the temperature guage reaches the red zone within a few minutes (sitting in park, or while waiting in a drive thru, etc). The cooling fans kick on, but are not able to cool it down to the normal operating temperature. If the vehicle is moving, the temperature guage stays in the normal operating zone. I've also noticed that when the temperture guage is reading hot, the heater does not work.

I'm mechanically inclined enough to change a thermostat if needed, but I don't think I'm up to changing an intake manifold gasket.

Anyone have any guesses on what my problem may be? What are some steps I could take to troubleshoot and isolate the issue? I'd appreciate any tips and advice.
The coolant appears to be filled to the appropriate level.

I purchased this van used a few years ago. Right after I purchased it, I had the cooling system flushed. The overflow tank has always had lots of chunks of what looks like rust -- even after having it flushed.
 
It could very well be a sticky thermostat or possibly a build up of crud in the cooling system. The fact that you are not able to get heat in the vehicle is a potential clue. Usually, the heater core will provide heat if is is looped into the cooling system. Either it may be clogged or the vanes that direct cabin airflow may not be working. May be either due to bad vacuum or electric actuator. You do have enough coolant in the system too, yes?
good luck
 
Replace the radiator it might be plugged up.I had the same problem until the radiator got replaced.And everything went back to normal.
 
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