84 sunbird water 1.8 pump/ overheating problem.

[Mattskees09]

I just bought a 1984 sunbird convertable, with the 1.8 and a 5 speed manual. I think I've got a bum water pump but it's not making any rattling or grinding noises so i'm not sure. I already changed the thermostat so it's not that.
It will overheat in about 10 minutes at idle right now.
I'm a new sunbird owner, I'll take any words of wisdom I can get!

 

[melsg5]

Does the engine fan come on?

 

[Mattskees09]

Does the engine fan come on?

I checked yesterday, and it does not. I think i'm gonna try to just wire it right to a switch I'll put in the dash. I almost wonder though if I've got a blockage in the radiator, even without the fan going the radiator fins were cool to the touch after it got well past operating temp.

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Clogged radiator or block, water pump runs off the timing belt so if seized car won't start or run.

Worse case scenario is fins on the pump are rusted away do to no antifreeze in system.

Not likely though....cast steel impeller.

My 2.0 OHC can idle in 80* heat for about 30 minutes with no fan on before getting too hot, ( of course with no thermostat , don't run one down here, no sense to risk the head gasket or warping the cylinder head so I left it out.)

You should have another radiator cap on the driver's side of the radiator to see inside.

Doug in P.R.

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[melsg5]

Listen to 92 Sunbird Le, he is the resident expert on your car.

 

[Mattskees09]

Clogged radiator or block, water pump runs off the timing belt so if seized car won't start or run.

Worse case scenario is fins on the pump are rusted away do to no antifreeze in system.

Not likely though....cast steel impeller.

My 2.0 OHC can idle in 80* heat for about 30 minutes with no fan on before getting too hot, ( of course with no thermostat , don't run one down here, no sense to risk the head gasket or warping the cylinder head so I left it out.)

You should have another radiator cap on the driver's side of the radiator to see inside.

Doug in P.R.View attachment 4323

Omg I can't thank you enough! I ordered Irontite radiator flush, I'll update after I flush it tomorrow. Just looking at the fluid really quick, it looks like they mixed old and new radiator fluid types. melsg5, I agree, this guy seems like he knows exactly what he's talking about! Lol i'm betting I'll be calling on his expertise more than once.

 

[Mattskees09]

I think we've got it!! Cleaned and finished the gunk out of the radiator. I think this is it!! Thanks all for you'r help!

 

[melsg5]

thanks for the update and glad to hear it's running cooler

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