That's encouraging that it ran smoother.
On these straight blocks, I don't know how the water flows around the head. It's possible that there's a gasket leak, which could be a little serious, depending on whether the gasket simply failed or if there's structural damage. Your mechanic neighbor should be able to see that better. That's a little bit of a concern, though I still think it's hoses.
It makes sense for it to act up more when you shut it off. While it's running, the coolant is cooling and then flowing over the block. When you first shut it off, the heat from engine will initially heat the coolant in the block significantly, since it's not moving anymore. This builds up some pressure.
Without seeing the actual coolant coming out, it's tough to diagnose. Hopefully it's just the hoses though - probably the cheapest and easiest fix.
How was the color of your oil on your dipstick? Was it still nice and honey colored (or maybe black on older cars)? If it turns grey, even a little, don't start it again until you have a mechanic check it out thoroughly. Grey/silver oil signifies coolant in the oil = no bueno.
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Great info and knowledge.. I gotta pic of the oil stick coming your way.. it's dark tho
Dark is fine. In older cars it doesn't stay as clean. It should be a consistent color, no silver/grey, no metal shavings and shouldn't smell burnt. Some on the stick, where it passes the manifold (or block), will smell burnt. But the fresh stuff at the end shouldn't. It should just smell like hot oil. As long as you're changing regularly, you're good.
Remember when doctors used to rely on smell to help make diagnoses? Nah, me neither, but they did. :P
yea, it's in need of an oil change too