1989 6 speed overheating question
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
1989 6 speed overheating question
I think I know the answer, here goes
When the car is parked there is leak from the middle(ish) area of the engine. It will take 2-3 days before the leak is visible on the ground. I checked the radiator hoses, (even though the leak is behind that closer to the TPI and AC) no visible leaks.I checked the heating hoses no visible leaks. I don't have heat, my heater core is leaking, I cut the in and out lines in front of the firewall and put a u shaped tube on there to bypass it years ago.
When driving car gets hot very fast, the fan is working fine. I could smell antifreeze today when I pulled over and opened the hood but didn't see any leaks.
I am guessing the water pump is the possible culprit?
When the car is parked there is leak from the middle(ish) area of the engine. It will take 2-3 days before the leak is visible on the ground. I checked the radiator hoses, (even though the leak is behind that closer to the TPI and AC) no visible leaks.I checked the heating hoses no visible leaks. I don't have heat, my heater core is leaking, I cut the in and out lines in front of the firewall and put a u shaped tube on there to bypass it years ago.
When driving car gets hot very fast, the fan is working fine. I could smell antifreeze today when I pulled over and opened the hood but didn't see any leaks.
I am guessing the water pump is the possible culprit?
#2
Zen Vet Master Level VII
Water travels weirdly so please don't assume. You have two issues here; leak and over heat. They may be related.
My thought is to first get a pressure tester on the cool radiator cap and build pressure to about 18 pounds. Your leak should be visible at that point.
The over heating could be caused by lack of fluid (from the leak) but I 'd first check to see if you have any obstructions on the front of your radiator. There is a "void" between the AC condenser and the radiator where leaves and debris collect. It would not surprise me to hear that you find that area pack with junk. Vacuum or flush out and improve your air flow.
My thought is to first get a pressure tester on the cool radiator cap and build pressure to about 18 pounds. Your leak should be visible at that point.
The over heating could be caused by lack of fluid (from the leak) but I 'd first check to see if you have any obstructions on the front of your radiator. There is a "void" between the AC condenser and the radiator where leaves and debris collect. It would not surprise me to hear that you find that area pack with junk. Vacuum or flush out and improve your air flow.
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
Water travels weirdly so please don't assume. You have two issues here; leak and over heat. They may be related.
My thought is to first get a pressure tester on the cool radiator cap and build pressure to about 18 pounds. Your leak should be visible at that point.
The over heating could be caused by lack of fluid (from the leak) but I 'd first check to see if you have any obstructions on the front of your radiator. There is a "void" between the AC condenser and the radiator where leaves and debris collect. It would not surprise me to hear that you find that area pack with junk. Vacuum or flush out and improve your air flow.
My thought is to first get a pressure tester on the cool radiator cap and build pressure to about 18 pounds. Your leak should be visible at that point.
The over heating could be caused by lack of fluid (from the leak) but I 'd first check to see if you have any obstructions on the front of your radiator. There is a "void" between the AC condenser and the radiator where leaves and debris collect. It would not surprise me to hear that you find that area pack with junk. Vacuum or flush out and improve your air flow.
#4
Racer
Thread Starter
Water travels weirdly so please don't assume. You have two issues here; leak and over heat. They may be related.
There is a "void" between the AC condenser and the radiator where leaves and debris collect. It would not surprise me to hear that you find that area pack with junk. Vacuum or flush out and improve your air flow.
There is a "void" between the AC condenser and the radiator where leaves and debris collect. It would not surprise me to hear that you find that area pack with junk. Vacuum or flush out and improve your air flow.
#5
Melting Slicks
I checked for debris before, I double checked and it's clean. I removed the radiator cap and started the car, I could see some fluid movement then saw some bubbles. Around 236 degrees the antifreeze started to get sucked down and around 239 steam started to come from the neck, no white smoke or anything crazy just steam and of course the coolant was boiling.The upper radiator hose was hot and the lower ice cold. I would assume the thermostat is working. I think this car needs a coolant flush as it's a light brown color. The low coolant light was on for a few min then went off, I checked the levels it seems fine.
Last edited by 3D-Aircrew; 01-27-2019 at 03:12 PM.
#7
Le Mans Master
Pressurize the cooling system first and address the leak. If the thermostat is in question, replace it with the correct o.e. temp thermostat and go from there. You have to make sure the cooling system is up to par before diagnosing any possible issues.
#8
Racer
Thread Starter
I haven't had a chance to get a pressure test kit plus its freezing in my temporary detached garage. I pulled the thermostat since it's a easy fix. It looks brand new, I must of done it when the intake manifold gaskets where replaced. I boiled a pot of water stuck it in and it opened up, I didn't have a thermometer so I just waited for a boil since it had to be 212 degrees. I can eliminate that issue. Car was cold and it was 30 degrees out, I started it had car in neutral, in 2 min the temp was already at 135. The rad could be clogged but looks real clean I am guessing it's the water pump or the bad coolant. Once this artic freeze pass I will check again.
#9
Racer
Thread Starter
I didn't do a pressure test, There is a pool of coolant under the water pump and I have confirmed it is leaking from the water pump weep hole. Is it recommended to use any type of sealer on the gaskets? I was thinking maybe a dab of permatex thread lock blue on the 4 bolts.
Was thinking this for the gasket since it won't harden.
https://www.autozone.com/sealants-gl...alant/526681_0
Was thinking this for the gasket since it won't harden.
https://www.autozone.com/sealants-gl...alant/526681_0