Tested the overflow reservoir cap, lost all pressure within seconds... perhaps that's the reason I overheated?

New one is on order.

I also bought the 180f stat and stiffer upper radiator hose. Haven't had a chance yet to get a check on exhaust gases in the coolant. Advance Auto doesn't have one. I can check with oreilly in the morning.

 

You need to replace all coolant hoses at the same time, including the heater hoses.
If one is bad they are all bad.

 

Point well taken.. thanks Spike!

 

so how did you soak the cats? ug threw me the p0420 today, figure i can soak em when I do the upcoming headgasket job