She overheated...

[73c10Shorty]

Ok, so here's the story. This morning I went out to start my truck and found that I left the headlights on... doh! So I jump started my truck and then headed down to the gas station to fill her up. Of course after filling up she wouldn't start again. The battery was dead again. Luckily there was someone near by with jumpers and I was on the road again in no time. So I get back home and think, "you know I better let her idle for a few minutes just to make sure the battery is charged". So I go in the house and after a few minutes I peak out the window to look at my truck and I see steam poring out from under the hood. I immediately run out of the house and turn off the ignition. Needless to say it hasn't been a very good day.

So my question is where do I go from here? Typically I think thermostat when a vehicle overheats, but I doubt that's the case since current thermostat is only about 7 months old. So now I'm thinking water pump. Is there an easy way to test the water pump? Thanks for the help!

[78 Chevyrado]

I'd say if it's not the t-stat, check or replace the radiator cap, just because it's new or recently replaced doesn't mean it's good.  assuming you have the stock belt driven fan, it should be cooling fine, so that would really only leave the t-stat (could be blocking it up)  or the Cap (may be letting coolant come out at too low pressure allowing it to boil.)  if there's no leaks around the weep hole, and the pump makes no noise, it should be good.  if there's no leaks at the pump, you can pull the belt off and turn it by hand to see if it's rough.

[VileZambonie]

Where was the coolant coming from?

[73c10Shorty]

Well after closer inspection (not very close), I noticed the fan belt broke. 

So I guess this proves a couple things.
1st -  I really am mechanically inept.
2nd -  I'm extremely paranoid when it comes to my truck

Lesson learned... slow down and take a deep breath. Sorry for wasting everyone's time on this one. Thanks for the help.

[eventhorizon66]

No worries.  It can be very stressful when things are going wrong with your truck.  One thing I always have to remind myself - "look for the most obvious solution first."  Seems simple, but when your stressed it can be hard to do.