1982 Olds Cutlass Supreme--water leaking and hissing

[Tiffanysc]

I have an '82 cutlass supreme and recently had the water pump replaced because the car cut off going down the road. Well, then the next day it started making hissing sounds, and then the sound got louder and began to sound like someone dragging a metal basket on concrete-cling, cling etc.

Well, while in the parking lot at Advance to get an Alternator belt, that I was told that I needed because mine was worn out, the car began smoking really bad and water ran all across the parking lot. So, I put more water in it and drive ALMOST home--broke down less than 10 minutes later. It made a clang, clang, clang, Puff sound... I pulled over and it was ROLLING out smoke. Got towed home because it would not crank.

When we got home with the car (less than five minutes from where we were broken down--go figure) it would not let us put water in it. It kept blowing it back out at us (in the air) and after much waiting we FINALLY were able to get the water put in it after taking off the thermostat. (Also, bought a new thermostat that we haven't put on yet).

Got the new alternator belt put on, water pump is put on right (three opinions), took the thermostat out (advised by mechanic) to help with the overheating. Same day, New problem: the lights and turn signals are dying when I drive (sounds like the alternator, but it is less than a year old). The next day (today) it started hissing again and took 2 gallons of water after driving five minutes.

Does anyone have a clue what is wrong and what the hissing noise is? There are no holes in the hoses or radiator. Does anyone know why it is taking so much water and then hissing and squealing when I drive even short distances?

If you know what is wrong with my car, please let me know. This car is taking us for broke in one week's period of time. Even after all of the new parts, it is still hissing, smoking (smells like burning rubber) and drinking water.

[GTP Dad]

The reason you could not put water into the engine without it spitting back was because the engine temp was greater than the boiling point of water. The loss of coolant is probably coming from the heater core especially since you are seeing such a great a loss of coolant in such a short time. What you need to do is to pressure test the system so that you can find where the water is coming from. Pressure testers should be available for loan at Autozone. Fill the system and then pump it up to radiator cap pressure you should then be able to see any leaks and track down where the water is leaking from.

Also removing the thermostat is not a good idea and can actually make overheating worse. Once you find the leak and repair that replace the thermostat.

I would also make sure the radiator is not blocked causing a lack of circulation of both water and air. This may have been the cause of the initial overheating.

[Tiffanysc]

I appreciate your help and I will definitely try what you said.

Tomorrow, we are having the thermostat replaced and replacing the alternator belt. The belt was too loose and now it is no longer good. The car is overheating as soon as it gets up to temperature--after about five minutes or so of driving; I agree with you on the thermostat adding to the overheating.

I"ll post back and let you know what happens after we replace the thermostat and change the belt again.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Tiffany

[Arocars]

First, double check for a hose or radiator leak. If its not visibly leaking coolant/water , then it is likely a bad head gasket. This is typically accompanied by white smoke coming from the tailpipe. Since you overheated the engine so badly, I'd suggest replacing both head gaskets. Reinstall the thermostat (not a good idea to run without it). Put in 50% coolant and 50% water.

Your alternator is probably making noise because it got soaked in radiator fluid. It might dry out and be fine, or it might die. If it dies, remember that most alternators come with 1+ year warranties.