by baconsdozen » Tue Aug 18, 2009 5:50 pm
I'm far too young to remember Airwolf.
Is the screeching noise from the water pump?.Perhaps its started to seize or the fan belt is slipping on it.
If the compressions are still OK that would rule out the head gasket and if the engine runs OK that would seem to confirm they are.Have you checked the thermostat by the old trick of sticking it in a kettle and boiling it to make sure the thing opens at the right temperature (usually around 80 degress)?.Another way to test a thermostat is to start the engine from cold and let it run up to temperature.Put your hand on the thermostsat housing,it should stay fairly cool then suddenly get hot as the thermostat opens.It it gradually gets warmer and ends up hot the thermostat could be stuck open and will cause over heating if it has stuck in the partially open position.Try flushing the engine block through as well,take off the top hose and the bottom and give it a good flushing.Don't forget to (gently) wash down and clean the radiator fins,just remember they are delicate and easily damaged.