got to looking a little closer and noticed there was a very small stream coming out from the bottom of the pump. I replaced it with one of the extras I had lying around and it stayed below the normal temp reading, after running for 15 min. going to go drive it now. If it isnt one thing its another. thanks guys for the help and support.

for the overheatin issue, sounds like you might have a clogged radiator.

 

The voltage going up and down, depending on what volts you're reading at idle and what voltage you're reading at, lets say, 2500rpm, with/without loads on, etc. will determine what is exactly wrong with your charging system if anything at all. If the voltage@ idle is lower then ~14.5 volts, you're alternator is slowly going out. If you see anything less then ~14 volts at idle with the loads off, best bet would be to replace the radiator, especially if you're running a bigger stereo (aftermarket is bigger for these cars!), more lights for wheeling and such.

old radiators become inefficient. how is yours?

 

how is the radiator cap as well?

 

in my experience, compression testing is not helpful in diagnosing head gasket failures. all of the slow leaking gaskets i've seen that run and drive fine will test fine. as a matter of fact i've seen them test higher than the other cylinders if they start leaning towards "getting worse". i believe too much water in the cylinders somehow bumps up compession artificially or the gauge just doesn't like it. whatever the reason, i've had good readings on bad head gaskets. i'm not saying yours is.

just updating the problem with my car, it is still overheating. Usually when I try to run 60 on the hwys. it does good otherwise, I have not had the money to buy a new radiator or exhaust, but will soon. I think that my exhaust leak is so severe it is helping heat it all up, If I get into the pedal its loud, and starts to heat up. Unless my motor is pretty much gone.? How can I tell, It has power, but not like my wagon, (it hauls!) Also I cant hardly go past 3500-4000 grand when starting out, why is this? The wagon will pull until like 5 if I want.... thanks for reading this and please tell me anything that would help or could help!!!

1 - Are you losing coolant? If so, any evidence on the ground?

 

2 - If you crank the engine with the radiator cap off (cold) does the coolant boil out? This will indicate cylinder pressure entering the system. You may have to crank for 20 - 30 seconds to get it to bubble out of the radiator cap - depending on how much the head gasket is leaking.

 

If you are losing coolant, it may just be your intake manifold gaskets. I've had to replace them on every EA soob I've ever owned practically.

 

GD

If you're overheating ONLY at high speeds, I guarantee clogged rad. Been there done that. Had to drive from Ritzville to Spokane on the frontage road and install new rad in NAPA parking lot.