1990 Brougham overheating

Hi.  I just bought a 1990 brougham, and I drove it about 300 miles in a week and a half and the high coolant temp light has been coming on and I just saw some steam when I stopped at a gas station near home.  I have had horrible luck with cars and have had many blown headgaskets.  What might be the problem and what is my best route to preventing a blown gasket.  I need this car to last me a year!  I'm hoping.  There seemed to be plenty of fluid in the overflow, and I checked the radiator yesterday and it was filled to the brim.  I look forward to any help you can offer.

Thanks,
ed

quote:

ORIGINAL: truckking

Hi.  I just bought a 1990 brougham, and I drove it about 300 miles in a week and a half and the high coolant temp light has been coming on and I just saw some steam when I stopped at a gas station near home.  I have had horrible luck with cars and have had many blown headgaskets.  What might be the problem and what is my best route to preventing a blown gasket.  I need this car to last me a year!  I'm hoping.  There seemed to be plenty of fluid in the overflow, and I checked the radiator yesterday and it was filled to the brim.  I look forward to any help you can offer.

Thanks,
ed

head over to our FAQ area and read up on these issues.
there are several possibilities, headgaskets being just one.

do look at the coolant and report on any residue or gel like materials.