2003 PT CRUISER- HELP! Car initially overheated, next day added anti freeze- overheated again- 1 mechanic said saw no problem, another head gasket, another said air in system and lastly was told water pump- How can i determie true cause without being in poor house or crazyhouse?

Just an additional note- when I add anti freeze I can drive local for about a week or two until it overheats again

I agree with Tom but keep in mind that by constantly over heating a engine is a disaster waiting to happen ! If it warps the head you'll have to buy a reconditioned head ! You can't just have it flattened because the cam's are in the head . That means the line bore is warped too A reconditioned head cost about 400 bucks plus head gasket , head bolts & labor . The water pump is driven by the timing belt which is probably where your leaking coolant You could have your cooling system pressure tested to confirm but by having it pressure tested you'll definitely find your leak

Thanks olds403 I don't know why mechanic did not suggest pressure testing- initially he found nothing wrong- second time had it for several days and said need water pump - didn't see leak because being caught in pan Thanks

If your mechanic is worth a grain of salt he would a leak down test on each cylinder through the spark plug hole with compressed air to see if one of the cylinders is leaking into the cooling system which might involve removing the camshaft to make sure that all the intake & exhaust valves are closed when the test is done