Water Temp Question

[Honky Kong jr]

So I've been thinking about my little problem and I think I'm going to go back and check every other little thing before I break down and take the time to replace the water pump. It has new radiator, hoses, thermostat (that I verified in a pan of water on stove).

Check plugs and to rule out a lean condition

Check lower radiator hose to make sure it's not collapsing when revved

Check head temp with a non contact IR thermometer


Anything else I might check?

Coolant flow across the radiator.

 

[OkieFishMan]

Coolant flow across the radiator.

Shouldn't that be just fine with the radiator being brand new? It's only a month old.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Shouldn't that be just fine with the radiator being brand new? It's only a month old.

Yes unless your water pump isn't moving coolant or there is a blockage in the block or heads. I should have elaborated a bit.

 

[OkieFishMan]

Yes unless your water pump isn't moving coolant or there is a blockage in the block or heads. I should have elaborated a bit.

A blockage could be. What's the way to solve that? Hook up the garden hose and flush away? lol

 

[Honky Kong jr]

A blockage could be. What's the way to solve that? Hook up the garden hose and flush away? lol

You can try a reverse flush. It's hard to get sediment out that's packed in the lower coolant passages. Other them cooking it out but that requires complete disassembly.

 

[hirschdalechevy]

Just a thought , my kids buddy has a 78 square with a new goodwrench stocker motor in it and he went for the cheap radiator shop 4 row replica with a stock fan and new clutch with a 180 t-stat and he was having the same deal , running at 200 degree's plus. I pulled an old stock 4 row out of one of my old parts square's and he had it redone at another shop and everything is great now. Not saying thats your problem , but maybe.

 

[84c10Tony]

Haulin' 10K?...r/r fluids, trans etc., hd rear gear oil, got a little coolant tester? at least a little baster type with colored balls?
Also, WHERE is the fan clutch from/brand? I have had mixed results with cheapo, Hayden lifetime and factory.
What is coolant percentage mix?, cut with?, distilled water? (never use tap)

How about since you have both gauges and senders etc. use both, in different locations?

And r/r a water pump is easy when one puts bolts in a marked (from what/where) container or ziplock, pay attention to length and location, make a drawing or get a page of the shop manual and/or take a photo of before and after, or during in case you have a question.

I (used to) like snugging up parts to set gasket/sealant and torque down to spec next day for a great seal.

Take your time, a good job takes time.

 

[OkieFishMan]

Haulin' 10K?...r/r fluids, trans etc., hd rear gear oil, got a little coolant tester? at least a little baster type with colored balls?
Also, WHERE is the fan clutch from/brand? I have had mixed results with cheapo, Hayden lifetime and factory.
What is coolant percentage mix?, cut with?, distilled water? (never use tap)

How about since you have both gauges and senders etc. use both, in different locations?

And r/r a water pump is easy when one puts bolts in a marked (from what/where) container or ziplock, pay attention to length and location, make a drawing or get a page of the shop manual and/or take a photo of before and after, or during in case you have a question.

I (used to) like snugging up parts to set gasket/sealant and torque down to spec next day for a great seal.

Take your time, a good job takes time.

In the last month I have changed the rear end gear oil, the sm465 tranny fluid, the radiator has brand new 50/50 premix green coolant from O'Reilly's in it, and the fan clutch is new and purchased from Auto Zone (was $55 I think).

I plan to install my other water temp gauge in the thermostat housing here in the next couple days when I get the chance. Then I can see if there is much of a difference between the two locations.

I'm just trying to cover my bases before I resort to changing the water pump.

I may try to take it on a tow test with a lighter trailer (4k) this weekend to see if the temps rise much. Maybe this damn thing just likes 210*. That's just a little out of my comfort zone.
I will report back in 2-3 days.

 

[OkieFishMan]

Just a thought , my kids buddy has a 78 square with a new goodwrench stocker motor in it and he went for the cheap radiator shop 4 row replica with a stock fan and new clutch with a 180 t-stat and he was having the same deal , running at 200 degree's plus. I pulled an old stock 4 row out of one of my old parts square's and he had it redone at another shop and everything is great now. Not saying thats your problem , but maybe.

I still have the stock radiator. If it comes down to it, I may take it to the shop and see if its fixable for a reasonable price and then give it a try.

 

[OkieFishMan]

***UPDATE***

Figured out the problem. There was no problem. I figured out that whenever I turn on the a/c the guages immediately flip up about 20-25*. Guess I should know better than to install aftermarket gauges using the wiring the owner before me used for gauges. Live and learn I say. I figure a new power lead and ground will solve the problem. Engine was actually running about 185-190 all along. I'm actually glad that this was the problem, much simpler to fix.

Thanks for all the help guys!!

 

[Honky Kong jr]

***UPDATE***

Figured out the problem. There was no problem. I figured out that whenever I turn on the a/c the guages immediately flip up about 20-25*. Guess I should know better than to install aftermarket gauges using the wiring the owner before me used for gauges. Live and learn I say. I figure a new power lead and ground will solve the problem. Engine was actually running about 185-190 all along. I'm actually glad that this was the problem, much simpler to fix.

Thanks for all the help guys!!

Cool. Atleast you didn't dump a bunch of cash in it to end up with the same thing. And kudos for diagnosing instead of throwing parts at it.

 

[OkieFishMan]

Cool. Atleast you didn't dump a bunch of cash in it to end up with the same thing. And kudos for diagnosing instead of throwing parts at it.

Yeah, I like to have a diagnosis before I start doing surgery! lol

 

[Cuba]

The other thing I appreciate is the update or resolve to the issue. Too many threads or forums have cliffhangers. So kudos for that too. Although, you're a longterm member, so it's unlikely you'd leave a cliffhanger anyway.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

More often then not people ask a question get an opinion run with it and cry like little bitchs because an opinion didn't fix there problem even tho full info was never given to begin with then they flame and well then we become that P forum...








......and I CAN play that game too.

 

[theBIGnaud]

Do you run headers? Is you sender above the header?