I ran my 85 out on the highway a few days back
lb9 w/th350... was doing about 80mph @+/-3krpm
once i got off of the highway, it started smoking a bit and making a light tap. I drained the oil, replaced it and the oil filter, put in a 180* t-stat and more coolant incase low coolant made it overheat.
It's still tapping though. How fubar am I? When it runs, I feel the radiator hose going into the t-stat housing and it doesn't feel like there's much pressure...does that mean time for a new water pump?

thanks for all input, suggestions..

 

The tick might be a lifter going bad. this is gonna sound retarted but go buy a doctor stethiscope and start checkin around the engin it will tell you where the ticking is comin from(its a handy tool to have). as for your over heatin is concerend if it over heats while sitting in park for a few its prob the water pump youll be able to tell , the temp. gauge will climb quick.

 

temp gauge doesn't work...the sending wire is somewhat awol...
i'll have to post pics when it stops snowing outside.