Okay - it's day 2, snowlight is available... I mean sunlight, that is... I'm starting this as a new thread because a lot of the previous information I submitted appears to be in error or incomplete. I'm without any manuals to look at, and there's too much snow for me to get from here to there to help with a first-hand look at it...

Again, 1990 740 wagon with 16 valves and automatic transmission.

Car was run for 10 miles, then overheated while idling for 10-15 minutes, and when shut off, steam started coming out from the edges of the hood. It was run the 10 miles back home, with frequent stops, and maxed out the temperature gauge at least once.

Heater control valve was plumbed around by previous owner, and is no longer in the car. Hoses appear to be sound in that area. (I am working on ordering the new one.)

Reservoir has the green cap.

Driver's side of the block is spattered with coolant, passenger side is dry.

There is no chuck in the fan, but I realize that still doesn't rule out the fan clutch.

From what I've been told, coolant is leaking out of line that leads to the transmission? behind the crossmember? It is a slow leak, but it completely drains at least the reservoir over several hours, and accelerates when the car is started.

Does the automatic transmission have a coolant line going to it? If so, would a fracture to that line be the primary cause of the overheat or the result of the overheat and overpressurization of the system?

When the car is warm, the upper radiator hose is cold, but I don't know if that is because there isn't enough coolant in the system.

Ah, the lessons continue!

Thanks to all!
ezsha