​RE: Overheating and Mountain Roads
The '85 I drove had severe overheating problems until the radiator was
replaced, a common problem.
My '90 w/automatic tranny climbs hills in the slow lane too.  That's what
2nd gear is for :)  Keep the revs up so as not to lug the engine.
And if the knocking in the engine is really there it might be time to start
thinking about a new engine.  Put a rod through the case and no core value
left, only a big towing bill.