Hey guys. Opening up a thread for everyones favorite topic of discussion! Cooling issue! Here are the facts. I have an 85 Trans Am (305/TPI) And she likes to get hot.

I've went about and replaced the water pump twice now. First one was shot, second replacement had a bad gasket so I got a new one anyway. Replaced the stat, upper radiator hose, radiator, TSU, fan, and radiator cap. Fan is coming on about 220 (stock?) and I'm not sure if the thermostat is opening. I'm about to check after this post. My car goes from about 110 to 240 in ten miles. If I leave my heater on, the temperature seems to stay at 220 (for about 40 miles; slowly but surely it will heat up). Oddly enough, after I put the new water pump on, which was about three weeks ago, I flushed the radiator and thought I finally fixed my problem. Buttttt, little did I know, I was wrong. When I replaced my water pump, I flushed my radiator because there was a large amount of rusty water in it, yesterday when my car got hot again I checked to see if I was leaking water, and I found out my radiator is full of rust again. Not sure why. I'm starting to think I have a bad head gasket? I lose compression in overdrive at 1500 Rpm (Like I'm driving up a hill in the wrong gear), but if I pop it into 3rd I don't seem to have that issue. Not really sure what the deal is. Any input would be much appreciated.

 

the rust is probably from the engine block. (brass or aluminum dont rust)
you say : "I'm starting to think I have a bad head gasket? I lose compression in overdrive at 1500 Rpm (Like I'm driving up a hill in the wrong gear), but if I pop it into 3rd I don't seem to have that issue."

do you mean you lose power?

 

The fan issue could be your fan switch which is located in the passenger side head just below the manifold.
Next time you drain your coolant maybe switch it out.

 

These cars love to run hot!!to cool it down a little you have to make sure all your wind deflectors are in place and I do mean all,replace any broken parts under their,each piece plays a part.Make sure your timing is correct.Reverse flush your cooling system that will take care of the rusty dirty water and make sure you use a 50/50 ratio for the water and anti freeze.The fan supposed to kick on at 235 that is normal,use a 190 thermostat that's what it calls for,you can put a new temp control sensor in also.

 

Yea. It sounds like I'm in the wrong gear. It takes a while to accelerate until I hit a certain spot, then it downshifts and she gets up and goes.