2.5L overheating

[wolken]

I have an 84 that is overheating. I was driving it a couple weekends ago and noticed it was running hot (220) but it wasnt getting any hotter so I pulled over at the next exit to get some coolant, apparently the top left radiator hose developed a pin hole and had drained enough coolant out to make it run hot. I have since fixed the hose and refilled the system but it still overheats. When I refilled the system I noticed that there wasnt a thermostat in the car but it had never overheated before. (I installed a thermostat which made it overheat even faster, I removed it.) I also have a little white smoke in my exhaust now. The car will over heat in the driveway ideling for a few minutes. I think the head gasket might have a leak when it starts to overheat but that isnt causeing it to overheat so is there a way to test the water pump to see if its doing its job or does someone else have a suggestion?

Thanks
Wolken

[Mach10]

A head-gasket leak WILL make you overheat;

Starts pumping air (exhaust) into the cooling system. Quickly air-locks the water-pump, and makes your rad throw up.

[wolken]

DAMN that would happen right after filled my garage with car! I just picked up a 89 Firebird Formula for 400 bucks the other day. It has wiring issues but supposedly runs great. We'll see. Now I have to either put the bird outside or wire it to make room for the Fiero. Meanwhile getting 10 mpg in my truck. yay.

Thanks for the help. Probably should take the head to a machine shop to see if its warped too.

Matt.

[wolken]

got all ready to replace the head gasket and noticed that the weep hole in the water pump was leaking. Replaced the water pump and the overheating stopped. Still dont understand how something simple like a water pump stops pumping but i suppose it did. Motor idled for awhile and didn't overheat so I guess its ok, before it would overheat in acouple minutes idling in the driveway. Think I will drive it around a bit to make sure.

later
Matt

[p8ntman442]

I just picked up a 89 Firebird Formula for 400 bucks the other day.

Matt.

you just dont learn............................... see your own sig for details.

[befarrer]

got all ready to replace the head gasket and noticed that the weep hole in the water pump was leaking. Replaced the water pump and the overheating stopped. Still dont understand how something simple like a water pump stops pumping but i suppose it did. Motor idled for awhile and didn't overheat so I guess its ok, before it would overheat in acouple minutes idling in the driveway. Think I will drive it around a bit to make sure.

later
Matt

The impeller could have broken off the shaft, I think it is just pressed onto the shaft anyway. if it did that, then no coolant flow.

[wolken]

I just picked up a 89 Firebird Formula for 400 bucks the other day.

Matt.

you just dont learn............................... see your own sig for details.

Piss off I had a pretty good idea when I bought both of these cars that is wasn't gonna be all roses. Yes I bought a couple of shitty vehicles. I am not naive enough to think wow a 400 dollar vehicle! That has to be a gem! I am aware that they are piles, I also have to ability to fix them after I figure out what is wrong which is why sites like these are so great. I have another good reliable vehicle to fall back on. I like having something to work on from time to time. When I bought the Fiero I just had too much time on my hands and wanted something to throw a little money at and eventually have something fun to drive. The Fiero was reliable for a time and started to bore me so I decided to get something else. Unfortunately the Fiero broke at the same time, no big deal just an annoyance.

More on the subject at hand, the car overheated again so I pulled the head and replaced the gasket. The #1 spark plug looked like it had been steam cleaned and there was green on the valve so I assume that was the culprit. I will test it after work and verify. It must have been leaking air into the system and then back into the cyl after the overheat because the car would hold a good temp for awhile and then all of a sudden start to burn coolant and overheat all at once.

Thanks

Wolken

[The Dark Side of Will]

When I bought the Fiero I just had too much time on my hands and wanted something to throw a little money at

Problem SOLVED!

LOL!

[wolken]

Thats for sure. Although parts arent too bad. To change the head gasket it cost me about 50 bucks... and about 8 hours. That includes dinner and the occational sitting on my ass drinking a beer because you can only sit in a Fiero trunk bent over the engine compartment for so long.

Later

Wolken

[Mach10]

The two could have been related; Likely you lost a shitload of coolant out the weeper, overheated, and twisted the head enough to blow out the gasket. :scratch:

Otherwise, two separate issues; replacing the pump you drained your coolant, got rid of a bigass air pocket, and managed to fill it up properly FTW...


Then the exhaust filled your system and locked your pump again

[wolken]

Basically you are correct. However I replaced the head gasket and the car is now funtioning at a normal operating temperature. Hoorah! Yay I can now park my truck and get 20 mpg again. Good thing St Louis gas prices jumped 17 cents just in time for 4th of July.... price gouging anyone?


Thanks for the help.