Head, block or thermostate need R&R?

[Clif]

I have a 98XLT with under 39k miles. The other day my wife took the kids to school and it over heated. I had steam coming from the rear of the engine where I found a loose bolt (back right near head, can't tell where it attaches but looks like the intake or valve cover. The loose bolt could be a coincidence, I don't know. I can't see anything because of the fuel injection plastic over the engine. Oil level good, antifreeze dirty but no oil that I can see. I tightened up the loose bolt and topped off the radiator. Now when it heats up water boils out of the radiator fill (I took the rad. cap off before it overheated). Why would it boil out? ARRRRGGG! I am a Fireman in Melbourne FLorida, if the truck caught fire I could probably put it out. I really don't want and can't afford the dealer to repair. ANY HELP?
Clif cduy@aol.comHead, block or thermostate need R&R? Head, block or thermostate need R&R?

 

[Jason_25]

Replace the thermostat. There's a good chance it's your problem and if it's not, your only short like 3 bucks.

 

[Redrig]

the cheapest,easiest and most logical thing is to replace the t-stat first.

 

[Clif]

Do I have to remove all that plastic with those torx's? Or can I work around it?
Clif