Overheating?
 

My new 88 TBI 350 overheats when it idles more than 5-10 minutes. How do I fix it? I DO plan to replace the thermostat in the next week or so, what thermostat should I get?

Re: Overheating?
 

Bump

Re: Overheating?
 

What kind of fan do you have? I put a stock clutch fan back in my truck that came with a flex fan. found out the hard way that the clutch is shot and it will over heat at idle if its left running for more than 5 or 10 mins. Its fine when driving though so I still haven't got around to replacing the bad clutch.

Re: Overheating?
 

I'd stick a 160 stat in it, and then try it. Go from there, if your still having problems.

Re: Overheating?
 

Thanks so much guys, It's been so long since I owned something that was restored! :P I forgot how stuff works! :lol:

Re: Overheating?
 

Should I get a Severe Duty Fan clutch? It gets up to 105* here in the summer.

Re: Overheating?
 

I would change the stat first, It sounds like it is your main problem. Them see what you need to do for the Summer weather. In Vegas it gets up in the 120's. My solution is, NO thermostat, a flex fan, and change the antifreeze the beginning of every Summer. So far no problems with overheating. I use the t-stat housing with the plunger cut out.

Re: Overheating?
 

I have never changed a thermostat(never needed to). How long would it take? Do I need any special tools? Any gaskets? How involved is it? Is there a good brand? What material? Stainless? Copper/steel? Copper/brass? Steel?

Re: Overheating?
 

It easy to change, a ratchet and socket, gasket ant a new stat.Put the new one in boiling water first and make sure it opens. Just watch how the old one comes out and put the new one in the same way.

Re: Overheating?
 

You're talking two bolts .... easy peasy :)

Re: Overheating?
 

Sweet! Will there be any mess?

Re: Overheating?
 

easy yes, a mess yes

Re: Overheating?
 

Just drain a gallon of coolant out before you pull the thermosat housing off. There won't be much mess.

Re: Overheating?
 

if its only over heating when its at idle its not your T stat its you clutch fan

if it was your thermostat it would over heat when your going down the road because the thermostat will stop all water circulation as were a fan not spinning at idle wont pull enough air through the rad to cool the slow circulating water

and if you still think you need a thermostat dont put a low temp one in like a 160' keep a 190' in it the lower temp stat will screw with the ECM on a tbi engine and you'll fight to get it to run right

Re: Overheating?
 

anybody else worried about his water pump? I agree with the clutch fan diagnosis, but I'd question the water pump too, it's old enough to go.

Re: Overheating?
 

I was actually thinking it might be good to buy the pump, clutch, and t-stat. Especially because I dont know what she'll do when towing in 100* heat.

Re: Overheating?
 

I would I agree about the clutch but also check your radiator, when was the last time it was flushed? Here in Phoenix it is usally the first thing I always check.

Re: Overheating?
 

This is all good advice. Also, it never hurts to throw a timing light on it as retarded timing will cause it to overheat.

Re: Overheating?
 

Thanks guys. Idk when it was last flushed, probably within the last 2 years as it was a rescue truck.