Overheating Problems On The Freeway

[john]

Driving down 94 friday night ghettostyle stepped on the gas. The temp gauge rose and the car started running like shit and overheated while cruising down 94. The car was towed and made a clunking sound which sounded like it was coming from the t-belt cover. The car was full of coolant when this happened.

I pulled the t-belt covers off thinking the balance shaft belt was broken. The balance shaft belt is still in tact. The only thing I can think of was that part of the gasket for the t-belt cover (wich is literally plastic now) came off and was kicking around in there. Any other ideas???

As far as the over heating problem, I am guessing the car needs a new head gasket (as the temp gauge rose on the gas) but I dont believe that it is the problem why he overheated. The only thing I can think of is that maybe the thermostat got stuck closed or something??? His car looses fluids on a regular basis and it was full when he overheated. He has a radiator fan which is always on and he was cruising at around 60-65 mph. The only thing I can think of is that the engine was deprived of coolant. Could it be the water pump not pumping?

Thanks in advance, John.