Coolant Leak, Overheat, Fan Shroud. '88 244 DL

[PixelDust]

'88 244 4-speed Auto DL

Coolant Leak, water pump, fan shroud.

The temperature gauge was steadily nearing the red-zone while driving. Noticed a small leak had developed at the water pump shaft seal.

Replaced water pump, seals, and thermostat. Once again, overheating after installing the new parts. BUT only at idle.

Drive belt issue? Air not bled? Fan clutch gone bad? No.

The issue:

Fan shroud not installed. Had removed the shroud, failed to reinstall, because I did not understand the importance/critical role the shroud plays.

(It helps the cooling fan centralize cool air drawn over the radiator fins to the engine.)

Reinstalled the shroud, no overheating at idle anymore, no leaks at the water pump, thermostat opens and closes, heat works, job done. Done and lesson learned the hard way.