thanks for the info guys, but now i feel really stupid. i finally got a chance to check the radiator, and even bought the thermostat to replace, but decided to check the coolant levels first. wouldn't ya know, it was half a gallon low. so i refilled the radiator with 50/50 from the parts store and it runs like a top. now to get the oil changed.

95 sportage, gone and severly missed.
94 camaro 5-speed v6 with a few addons.
girlfriends 93 s-10 4.3 soon to be lifted and made into a pre-runner