'97 saturn has problem starting, overheats, smokes,...help!

My '97 saturn SC2 will fire up, then when I put it in reverse, it dies.
When I try to start it, I have to put the gas to the floor, and then the
idle sputters and the car's exhaust smokes out my parking lot. If I wait
too long at a red light, it overheats and spills water all over. I think
it's a blown gasket, but would like some advice before I take it to the
shop and spend more $$$ than I need to. Thanks for the help.

 

What color smoke? Does it idle fast? Is it harder to start on colder
days? Hard to start cold, but easier warm? Does the fan ever start up?

If it's 'black, yes yes yes, no', go replace your coolant temp sensor
first. $15 part and easy to do yourself.

 

Pressure test the cooling system if you have any doubts. Coolant will
have to go somewhere if there is a leak and you are more likely to find
out where its going. A temp sensor could cause those problems though.