85 Chevy 350 Conversion Van Overheats):

Hello!

So I'm new to this forum and rving in general. I bought my dream car so I could drag my sorry arse out the bay area and find where I belong.

Everything about this beast was perfect. A lil ugly, but no body damage, no rust, interior alright with some work. Knew it likely needed a head gasket and was prepared but now...
Whoever worked on this monster before was a word the terms and conditions said I can't use. The belt was too short and not connected to the fan and alternator. Should have seen this, but didn't. Got me pretty far before it died. The same day I bought it. ugh.
So found a mechanic. Replaced the busted head gasket, cleaned the oil system out, replaced the belt, alternator, fan clutch, cleaned the spark plugs, checked the radiator. It was a lot of work and I'm dead broke now. And the thing still overheats. Only drives about 10 minutes before 280 and quit.

Did a compression test, and it seems to be fine, but the water boils and doesnt seem to be getting through the system. We flushed it, considered air bubbles, but that's sounding doubtful.
The mechanic I chose was low budget, and took the exhaust system apart and couldnt remember how to put it back together (dont do drugs kids) so all the vacuum tubes are just plugged off and loose in the system. I don't have the manuals yet, but am dling a diagram and rebuilding it myself this weekend.

He did suggest that whatever random parts are welded in front of the radiator could be causing the overheating. not quite sure what they are, as the prev owner was rather weld happy. But white oil smokes from the block when it over heats and I don't wanna blow the heads again. I'm in the hole and it sucks. I've only owned it 3 weeks!
So maybe tmi or too little, but what should I do? Store it, wait til I have the money and just install a new engine, or sell it asap for some of what I put in and try to find something more manageable (I have offers, but I love her so much!!!) or is there something a competent mechanic and rv owner may know that I don't?

I really don't wanna get rid of her. When I restore her she is my dream! But right now she's a nightmare ):

So, fellow rvers, any ideas are greatly appreciated...





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