I have a 1986 IROC with an overheating problem. Upon parking my car after about half an hour of driving, there's coolant everywhere! My temperature gauge is broken, so I don't know how hot she's running. In the past, she's only blown over in stop & go traffic. That problem was fixed a few months ago when I changed my fan motor and had it rewired.

I performed a pressure test and my radiator cap is fine, as are the radiator and hoses. The fan is coming on as it's supposed to and I flushed the radiator last month. My only remaining suspects are the water pump, thermostat & head gasket.

I'm only in my first semester of auto mechanics, so I need a little assistance here. What should I check to determine the cause and what do you guys think it might be? I'd appreciate any help. Thanks!

 

Best bet would be to ask your teacher because he has the benefit of being able to see the car.

First thing to do is to fix the temp gauge so you know what temp the car is running at.

When you shut off the car the temp will rise for a short while because the water pump is not longer pumping but the coolant is still absorbing heat from the hot engine.

 

I would replace the thermostat, make sure the antifreeze to water mixture is right and make sure yout timing is correct.

If everything is the way it should be, you may want to upgrade to an aluminum radiator. Modine makes one for $149 for the thirdgens.

Best updrade I ever did besides rewire the fan system and install the 160 fan sensor. The car can sit all day at 180. With the old copper one the car would never stay cool.