89' Buick Regal Custom 2.8L - overheating problems

[Tidus05]

well first thing first

Hi

how's everyone doing today?
mine's ok I guess, but work sucks

anyways

Right now my car is broken down, because of the coolant system.
Every morning I always check the fluids and even the coolant, the coolant is always empty. 3 days ago I just put WATER just water into the container and after I got done from work and went home, turn off the car and after that you couldn't see my car because of the smoke from one of the spark plugs, I thought for sure it was on fire but didn't see no fire. Someone from work told me to put water into the system, and so I did 3 days ago, and it didn't help my car.

I check for leaks, but I seen two leaks, one from the hose of the coolant container, and one on the opposite side of the car, like somewhere by the radiator. I know it needs a new clamp, but...

The temperature light comes on 5 minutes after the car starts up,
that was after the put water into the container. maybe if I get the car fix I'll just stay with antifreeze/coolant. if anyone finds out the problem or give me a suggestion, that would be appreciated.

thanks...

[greenbird1]

First off, get all your leaks fixed, then pressure-test your cooling system. If you can't find any leaks but the pressure keeps dropping, you might have a head gasket/cracked head issue. Been there. Not fun. Had an '88 Regal that swore me off of GM forever. Second, once you do get everything squared away, when you go to fill your cooling system, there's a screw-looking bleeder valve on the thermostat housing that MUST be open when you fill the cooling system!! If you don't, you WILL trap air in your cooling system, and the water pump will be ineffective in circulating coolant, causing your overheat condition. When you get it full to the point where the coolant is coming out of the valve, install it finger-tight snug, start the engine, then back it out until coolant bubbles out slowly. Let it bleed out some coolant for about 30 seconds, then close it off. See how that works, let us know.
Good Luck!!

[Tidus05]

Thanks....

no leaks yet,

All it just need was a new Radiator, and a new upper hose, and clamps.
well that's what my uncle had said..

well I will let you know if any other problems accur.