So I'm starting to have doubts as to how long I can keep this car from falling apart. I got the bolt rethreaded and used some washers to help tighten it. I still hear what sounds like a tiny air leak coming from either the thermostat or the vacuum line, but the car runs fine. Problem is, now I seem to have a leak back near where I replaced the coolant elbow. Sometimes you can feel water hit you when standing in front of the car, which makes me think it's hitting the serpentine belt. Unfortunately I can't find the leak, though I'm losing fluid again.
My car overheats so much I know it's just a matter of time before something breaks, and I don't think I have the ability to fix whatever the leak is. Taking it to a shop isn't worth it, so right now I'm just putting water in (And trying to be nice by using distilled when I can) every couple times I drive. Despite putting water in, it still gets hot enough that I can smell the engine if I drive for more than 10 or 15 minutes.
It feels slightly moist around a gasket I see that's close to the coolant elbow. It's connected to the big black box above the engine, I think it's the water inlet or something like that? Anyway I can't tell for sure, so I might replace the gasket just to see, but in all honesty I'm not even 100% sure the gasket near the thermostat isn't leaking, even though I don't actually see a leak anywhere.
Looks like I might have to get a car loan and get a car with less problems. Either way I need another car soon, my wife and I both work and have one (commonly broken) car between the two of us.
My Grand Prix has a circulation problem and I can't afford the surgery. Nothing to do now but wait. *Bows head in respect*