Occasionally when I drive the car semi hard after warm up it the car will smoke visibly and smell like carbon.. also on a hot day without the AC on the car will being to overheat at stop lights. This is after it's warmed up, and with no leaks/plenty of fluid. I'm assuming it's the HG because it cools down upon circulation (driving).

I'm wondering where to get a good HG and how involved it is. I'm going to pick up a torque wrench shortly (I can't believe I don't have one either) hopefully and get it done.

Anyone have a good write up they want to point me to?

 

Try a new radiator cap. I had a similar heating problem and found out that the pressure thingy (haha) on the cap was missing. Bought a new one... problem solved.

 

Next time you change your Oil check it for coolant, its a dead give away that your head gasket is toast.. I would do a coolant flush/bleed to make sure you dont have any bubbles in the system..

 

Are your fans coming on? Is it possible your thermostat is sticking?