A 1989 Buick Skylark with an overheating problem.?

Question

I have a 1989 Buick Skylark 2.5. It has been overheating. I replaced the thermostat and pulled the water pump. The water pump is still good, but was leaking at the block. I have put the car back together, but is still overheating. Plus, now it is making a ticking sound, like its missing or a bad spark plug.

The transmission is also slipping in the forward gears and is gone in reverse. Is this the linkage and can it be re-adjusted? Or would it be better to re-build it?

I've checked all the hoses, and the fan works. No other leaks that I can see. The radiator cap seems to hold pressure.

The head gasket isn't blown and the head is cast iron, not alunimum, and it's not warped. I have checked everything I can think of. There is no oil in the water or water in the oil. So, I don't think its a cracked head either.
The tranny, I was told there where 3 models made for that car that year.

Answer 1

Have you pressure checked the radiator, and cap. Also check your hoses for colapsong and such. Also check to see if the fan is in good order too. Like if it works.

Answer 2

Well, this car sounds like it's on it's last leg. Sounds like there's a blown head gasket. The head could be a little warped but before sending it in, check it with a straight edge. As for the tranny, it has a 125C and they are durable and can be found at most any junkyard for 100 bucks or less. Good luck. Sorry for your troubles.

Answer 3

Does the electric radiator fan turn on at all? Maybe you could have a bad fan relay, cooling fan sensor, or coolant temperature sensor. I had a 1986 Buick Century with the 2.5L once, and i always had problems with fan relays, and cooling fan sensors. You should always make sure the engine surface is clean before you install a waterpump, and use gasket sealer.