So i got my '87 non turbo about a month ago and have been trying to fix its over heating problem. (i have had no time between work and school to do too much) So i have replaced the thermostat and flushed the radiator. nether worked. so do you rhink it is a water pump problem? and how can i tell if it is?
Thanks

 

is the coolant level going down?

 

i'd guess its either the water pump(leaking at the weep hole) or ur coolant seals are gone...u can check the coolant seals by opening up ur rad cap while cranking ur engine..if bubbles come out...be prepared to do a rebuild....

 

i should probably also ask..is it over heating under certain conditions?....while its moving..or only when its parked

 

post a pic of your engine bay, its a good start for us

 

here is a link you my pics.
http://community.webshots.com/album/549259812MbqnMA
I am not sure what you are looking for so i just took a couple pics.

and it does not matter what i am doing, it always over heats. the needle just climbs without stoping.

 

Did you remove the fan shroud? Significant reduction in radiator cooling with it off. That may well be your whole problem. Also, it appears that the lower shield is gone. Hard to tell if we are seeing a dirty cement floor or a dirty pan. If both shroud and pan gone no reason for it not to over heat.

 

it has been over heating before i took it off. I am going to put a koyo radiator and electric fan in but i have not had time.

 

Put the fan shoud back on and it might fix your problem. I would also keep it on there, the stock one cools way better then an electric fan from my experience.

 

so i put the covers back on and it didn't change a thing. Still over heating. I have a koyo radiator, should i put it in or will not help?
thanks

 

Was the new thermostat the OEM unit or some aftermarket unit? People have reported problems with aftermarket thermostats, so if it's an aftermarket item, replace it with an OEM thermostat.