LS Cooling Issue

[Trackman101]

The radiator is a true dual pass correct? You should see a welded in baffle between the upper and lower rad hose forcing the water from the passenger side to the driverside and back.
Laser temp guns are a handy tool but can sometimes read inaccurately when pointed at/on shiny objects.

[MotoWells]

I purchased a dual pass radiator, not sure how to confirm. I have attempted to locate the baffles as specified by Trackman101 but haven't been able to locate just yet. I will attempt to probe a bit more deeper tomorrow evening when I have a bit more time.

Good points on the fan(s) and shroud. This radiator should be able to dissipate that heat all day long. I purchased one 16 inch 2500 cfm Syclone fan. My thought was to remove the shroud and replace both fans with this to see if it improves.

Before I do that I was thinking of pulling thermostat and seeing if wide open improves things.

Thank you for the input, lots of things to try. I will attempt these soon and report back findings. Thanks for all your input, really appreciate it.

[mongocanfly]

look at the end of the radiator in this pic..notice between the upper and lower hose connections there's a seem in the end cap..that seperates the radiator into a upper and lower unit..the flow is as in the diagram
I'm thinking they're right about your shroud...the way it is your only cooling right at the fan and blocking off the rest of your flutes..looks like just 4 bolts holding it..stick some 1/2" or 3/4" spacers between shroud and radiator creating a air gap and see what happens

[indymachinist]

Dont pull the thermostat. I'd nearly bet money it is a shroud and/or fan problem.

[MotoWells]

Thanks guys, working all week but should be able to pull shroud and test cooling this weekend. I will be sure to report back findings. Thanks for all your input and sharing of wisdom!

Next steps will now be:

Pull shroud, test cooling

If no success, replace two fans with new 16 inch 2500 cfm

If not, pull thermostat

Thank you guys!

[indymachinist]

If you pull the fan and shroud completely off it should stay cool while driving. Just watch out for overheating as soon as you stop.

[Rich84]

Originally Posted by indymachinist

If you pull the fan and shroud completely off it should stay cool while driving. Just watch out for overheating as soon as you stop.

What he said..
With my truck moving it never budges from 193 -195..The fans only come on at long traffic lights for a very short time.
I have the proper sender for my gauge and it is in the passenger side rear of the head it reads about 230.

[davepl]

Pretty easy way to tell if it's a dual pass: if the intake and outlet are on the same side, it's likely a double with a baffle midway down.

[Hart_Rod]

Updates?

[Trackman101]

......Fixed?
Looking at this again I agree the shroud is to tight to the core.
Adding some shroud flaps might help.

[MotoWells]

Finally was able to get back after it tonight and I found the issue!!!

As I was removing the fan shroud bolts I saw something that should not be sandwiched between the rad and the shroud A PIECE OF CARDBOARD!

I almost passed out with excitement. It was a blockage for sure.

Took it for a test ride and was happy at 210 the whole time, even got cooler as more air went through it.

So happy and grateful for all your help through this total head scratcher.

Now time to break this mill in.

THANK YOU !!

[mongocanfly]

are you freakin kidding me?.....wow....beautiful truck...

[ls1nova71]

I know they say its usually something simple, but damn! Glad you got it fixed though!

[Rich84]

Sabotage...Or, Please remove all packaging before installation..

[davepl]

Ho. Lee. Cow.

That must have been a pretty happy find! Glad you got it resolved.

[indymachinist]

I knew it was an airflow issue. I never would have guessed almost the whole radiator was blocked with cardboard!

[MotoWells]

Thanks everyone, drove it all day today and it hovered around 185-200 the entire time. NICE and Happy!

This was a fully assembled unit. I was going back and forth with the manufacturer on private PM trying to get some insight and large cardboard barrier never mentioned. Glad its resolved though; now I can start breaking it in without trying to kill it.

You all are awesome, thank you so much for all your great knowledge and advice.

[knomadd]

I didn't expect that, but at least it got me to check mine! Glad you got it figured out!

[nsb29]

If you look at the pic of the fan on page one you can se the cardboard

[BR3W CITY]

Defeated by cardboard, my life story

['70_402]

Damn... sounds like my luck.

[Daaaanz67]

GOOD GRIEF LOL been watching this. Glad it's working now.

[Andy4639]

You sure can.

[mongocanfly]

I had to look real close ...but I see it to....now

[jonmc56]

Nice truck. I read this thread with interest because I like a mystery, and was interested to see how it turned out. When I saw the cause, I realized that we have something in common! A few years ago I bought my truck in the middle of winter. On a warm day I was driving it and looked down to see my temp gauge nearly pegged. After several troubleshooting steps, I decided that the radiator must be plugged. I disconnected the radiator and was about to lift it out of the truck when I noticed something funny in between the radiator and the condenser. I pulled it out, and it was a large piece of sheet metal, in front of the radiator! Obviously this was my problem, but as long as I had the radiator loose, I took it to Beaverton Radiator for a flow test. After hearing my story the guy there thought I was nuts for even bringing the radiator in, and it flow tested just fine. I asked the PO what the sheet metal was for, he said it was to get the motor warmed up faster in cold weather. Since I bought the truck in cold weather, the sheet metal was still there.