I have a 97 Chevy s-10 standard model. Lately it has been overheating where it is pegged on the gage. I wasn't even sure I could get home the other day. What should I do? Also it doesn't idle very well and this has been getting worse lately. I am afraid it is going to quit is traffic and I will be stuck. I replaced the alternator a year ago but it has the same battery could that be a problem? How can I fix the idle problem?

First off, what I use in my 96 s-10 ls, 10w-30 wieght oil in the summer, calls for 5w-30, but... you don't have to do the same as me, also a 5w-30 synthetic (mobil 1, or amsoil if you can find it) most others claiming full synthetic are group 3 hydro cracked and overpriced conventional oils... and I wouldn't use them... 5w-30 synthetic would do greatly for it, conventional running at the temps you say, has broken down and isn't doing much to protect the engine.. as for the heating problem, whens the last time the radiator was flushed?? Well if it hasn't been for quite a while, have it done, and also have them check the hoses, the radiator for cracks, leaks, etc, and the coolant level, dexcool, 2 bottles for a flush, and have them check the thermostat, the engine should run around 210, lower in cool weather, normal to go a little higher, but should drop back down, so it sounds like its not working, kind of cheap to replace as well... afterwards if your looking for a little cooler operating temps (after its fixed) try some water wetter, pretty good stuff. And as for the rough idling, does it do it all the time? Or after it overheats, if all the time I'd say the injectors are clogged and need some good injector cleaner, or if too bad replaced, if bad... otherwise the plugs ( if they haven't been replaced in a while) sounds like its time for that as well, it deffinently isn't the battery causing the overheating.

I had this exact problem with my 97 S-10. I needed a water pump. They leak out the bottom weep hole when they get old. I also lost my serpentine belt one night and had to drive it 10 miles to a parts store to get a new one. That didn't help. Eventually it started to skip. The coolant became fouled with foam indicating the head seal had failed. I bought some of that engine block sealer for $10.00 and it fixed it. You must follow directions exactly for it to work. Takes an overnight repair. That lasted about two years now it is skipping again and number 3 cylinder is missing. I expect it will require a new head. I've lost interest in the truck and currently it's for sale. Only 93K miles and the motor is worn out. tsk tsk. welloh