Need basic radiator help...

[nismoBlueEyes]

Okay, I know its not a Nissan, but I'm sure this question is universal. I have 2 holes on the top of my radiator that i know of, and I am not able to let my car idle for any time over 5 minutes or so, or else it will run hot. I have a 1997 Chevy Lumina with a 3.1 L V6. I was trying to jump start a friends car and was letting the car idle and then the water started leaking from the bottom/ steam. The temp gauge went to 180. I haven't been filling up the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of water and coolant like I'm supposed to. Any suggestions or ideas for the possible problems/causes. I have been told that the level of water in the radiator was waaaay to low to begin with for it to overheat or w/e that easily. Any help on this subject would be nice

I have called up a few places the price I have found on a new radiator is about $170. Thanks in advance.

[navysnail]

find out were the coolant is leaking from, that will help to find out what you need to replace first.

[NISTECH]

Are you getting heavy white smoke out the tail pipe when you first start it any time of the day?not just in the mornings

[BB Turbo]

No she is not (I posted that last post, at her house)

[NISTECH]

you need to fix your radiator if it has obvious holes in it first, fill it with 50/50 and recheck for over heating.