[grendiers]

My '88 track car had the lower hose installed incorrectly, by me. And had that fan-hitting thumping noise, till it went away. At the track one day, after a 20 minute run, and I always pop the hood, saw coolant leaking, spurting, out a pinhole. So, this is probably what happened on this car, no massive leak, but a small pinhole leak. I'm surprised the PO didn't notice this on his driveway. Maybe there are other items not serviced, ignored, etc. But, an '88 car is nice, hard to decide for you. And, since I and others can work on these cars, the 4 hour trip is an easy decision. Good luck.