Running Hot

[theslawdawg]

Hello all,

Here's my situation: I previously had a two core radiator that I switched out with a nice three core radiator. Prior to this switch, my temp level was fine. I made the switch only because I am moving to a way hotter climate and just planning ahead. Now, my temp level is much higher. It is not necessarily overheating, just well past the line I'm normally used to (so it is running hotter). Any thoughts?

Also, If it is the thermostat, and the thermostat is bad, wouldn't you know it pretty quick or is it a very slow gradual process?

[truckdude239]

sounds more like an air pocket

[theslawdawg]

Sorry for my ignorance, what is an air pocket and what does it cause, and how do you eliminate it?

[Shyguy]

An air pocket in the coolant system can happen when the system is drained and refilled. The water pumps will not pump air, only water. If hot water does not get to the thermostat it will not open allowing coolant flow.

Normally the system will burp after the thermostat opens, but not always. On some cars there is a plug on the thermostat housing to allow for venting air out.

I am sure others will chime in.

[Camper Power]

definatly sounds like an air pocket. i find running the engine with the rad cap off is the best way to get rid of them. just start it when its cold and let it warm up to operating temp with the cap off so the air can escape. and have some coolant on hand to gradually fill it up while its running

[theslawdawg]

It really is weird. On my two core, the temp needle never went past the first tick. Now, it goes slightly (but noticeably) past the first tick after about thirty minutes of driving. So basically, it is slowly overheating while trying (but failing) to keep things cool.

Thanks for the advice. I'll try this in the morning and see if it solves anything.

[theslawdawg]

Okay,

I ran the engine at idle, with the cap off for probably 15 minutes. The temp needle maintained at a good level when it got warm. I noticed the coolant level getting a little higher (the reservoir took care of the excess) and then it settled. I then turned the truck off and screwed the cap back on. I didn't have to add anymore coolant though.

I will say that even though the engine got to normal operating temperature with the needle at a good level, it gets hotter throughout the driving day (which is usually about 30-45 minutes of driving for me). Hopefully I "burped" it right.

[mrein3]

Here is how I burp a coolant system.

Engine cold, off. Open the radiator and set the cap aside. Place a catch pan under the open radiator.

Start the vehicle. Have 50-50 ready to add to the system. As the vehicle warms up you will notice the level in the open radiator go up and down. Some will spill.

Wait until you notice a good flow coming out of the fins of the radiator. The upper radiator hose should be warm now. Fill the radiator to the top and screw the cap back on. You're done.

[68Stepbed]

Something else to consider is the type of thermostat. I had almost the same issue with mine for the past 3 years. Mine never actually overheated, it just ran about 200 deg. with a Stant 160 therm. I changed to a Mr. Gasket(Robert Shaw style) therm and it now maintains a consistent 180 deg. It does tend to rise to about 210 in traffic, but that may be due to having just an elec. fan with no shroud.

[Blazer1970]

Was it a new radiator that you installed?

[Longhorn Man]

it's getting to the second mark on the temp guage?
Sorry... I don't see a problem here.

[theslawdawg]

It is a brand new radiator (3 core).

This is more of a curiousity for me right now. I know that the even though the needle is higher, it still bugs me to see it considerably higher now than when I had my beat up 2 core in it.

[Longhorn Man]

flushing the old coolant may have rinsed some crap off the temp guage sender maybe.
I think I'd be happy that is up in the normal range now.