I am the proud owner of an 86 trans am now :-D, shes got a few things to iron out but it just takes time my baby is this shiznit! However shes having a few problems overheating. Im gonna try replaceing the thermostat tomorow. the black airdam is inplace, the water pump isnt moving and has resistance. However I think the timing is off. Anyother ideas?

 

Welcome aboard! Congratulations on your new car, you say the water pump ISN'T moving? You shouldn't be able to turn it with the belt on. Have you flushed the cooling system? Try looking for debris stuck on the condenser or the front of the radiator that could block needed airflow. Try using a 75/25 water/coolant mix also. Check all around for leaks, and post back if you find another problem. Good luck!

 

i meant wasnt moving when the car is off. The guy at the local shop said somehting about a gasket under the intake? Should i check the radiator and water pump first? Is there a way to check the water pump without replaceing it?

 

When is the car overheating, while going down the highway or sitting in traffic. Try replacing your radiator cap, it may not be the problem but they are only like $6 and sometimes turn out to be the problem. To see if the thermostat is working take off the radiator cap before you start the car. Then start the car and let the car warm up till the thermostat should open, you will know this because the coolant level will get sucked down. Check your lower radiator hose with the engine running at high rpm's to make sure it isn't collapsing. Also make sure you don't have any leaks around the thermstat because this will cause you to lose pressure causing overheating. Make sure you electric fan turns on when it is supposed to. If none of this works definately check your timing, if it is off and causing the car to run lean it will cause overheating.

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'86 IROC
T-TOPS, TINTED WINDOWS, BRAKE LIGHT BLACKOUTS
GM GOODWRENCH 350
EDELBROCK TES HEADERS
FLOWMASTER, NO CAT
EDELBROCK 600CFM CARB.
KN AIRFILTER
ACCEL HEI DISTRIBUTOR
160* Stat
2:73 GEARS
Rebuilt 700R4, with manual valve body
B&M Megashifter, 5" Autometer Tach w/shift lite
Soon to be installed
3:73 Richmond Gears and 3" Hooker Aero Chamber
Corvette Servo & .500 boost valve
15.61@ 95.2mph G-Teched, 1-2 shift slippage, and just replaced a burnt plug wire
"There is nothing more addicting than speed"

 

Welcome! And Congrats on the new ride!
Later
Mike

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(Gran Turismo Americano) "The Ultimate Firebird"
Smokin 1989 GTA- Bone stock except for exhaust. (no catalytic-stainless pipe into Flowmaster 2 chamber) & AC Delco Rapid Fire Plugs

 

Someone also mentioned something about a gasket under the intake plenum, anyone know about this and how to check? I havent been able to work on the car cause I activated an alarm that was put on it and the dealer didnt give me the remote, and an air horn kinda hurts the ear drums...I finally disabled it last night though so hopefully i can get some work time in tonight...

 

oh and it seems to run hot when moving not when just sitting... The temp drops a little when u let it idle... still running hot but it seems to be stable a mark or two under the orange (digital dash) where as if im moving it eventually make sit to the orange.. no red yet i never run it long after it gets in the orange, well havent run it much at all ehehehe

 

No coolant circulates through the plenum, maybe they were talking about an the intake manifold? Thats a possibility for a leak, but you would probably notice it. Are you losing coolant at all?

If you want to check the water pump, I would suggest taking it off and taking the back off. Clean it out and replace all three gaskets.

Did you fix the timing?