HELP my engine overheats what to do - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

thisolechevy · 06-07-2004, 02:28 PM

Hey my engine is now starting to run warm because summer is here, but I want to fix it it is not really overheating but it is running about 190-200 deg. driving and when it sits still and idleing it runs a any where from 210- 220 deg. The water pump is good and new, brand new radiator 3core, all new hoses, new thermostate 180-190 deg. open and housing. So it is all new stuff but it is still getting to hot for my likings, I figured maybe because I still have the old 4 fin steel fan and no shroud that this could be the reason is it?
any advice is help.

Oh yeah and something else, if the engine runs warm would it affect my starter?

Gene · 06-07-2004, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thisolechevy

I still have the old 4 fin steel fan and no shroud that this could be the reason is it?
any advice is help.

Oh yeah and something else, if the engine runs warm would it affect my starter?

You forgot to mention what engine you have? 6 or 8? If an 8 do you run headers? They are starter killers if the starter isnt protected.

A shroud will make a world of difference, mine ran 205-210 and overheated when idling for short periods of time in high temps before I installed a shroud on mine. Invest in a new clutch fan also, it will be worth the money.

LONGHAIR · 06-07-2004, 03:32 PM

A clutch fan and a shroud will probably fix it. Either one alone might help quite a bit but both ought to do fine.

cdowns · 06-07-2004, 03:34 PM

without a schroud you're just moving some air around the engine compartment but not pulling any at all thru the radiator to cool the hot stuff

**COBALT** · 06-07-2004, 03:35 PM

If it's a small block definitely. Some of the guys who live in the southern hotter states will actually drop their thermostat down to 180 in the summer, but with a good clutch fan and shroud (and good 4 core radiator) you'll keep heat away from the block over 190-200 degrees.

Also, if you have an air conditioner you may think about getting a more modern radiator to handle the cooling.

franko72 · 06-07-2004, 03:47 PM

Possibly check your temp guage for accuracy with a thermometer .when the thermostat opens see what the trip point is.

thisolechevy · 06-07-2004, 03:47 PM

Wow thanks for the quick replys
then engine is a '68 impala 327 SB and the fan is direct connect to the pulley no clutch. I will try a fan shroud, and yes I have hedman headers do you suggest using some type of starter protector/heat shield? I do not have one now.
thanks

thisolechevy · 06-07-2004, 03:59 PM

Just found out that after I let the truck cool to under 160 deg. it will start right up, so it must be the starter right?

Gene · 06-07-2004, 06:06 PM

Yeah, headers will fry a starter and solenoid especially if they are ran close to it. They make some heat wrap or even heat shields for starters. Although I run headers I have never personally had heat problems with mys starter, my headers are pretty far spaced from the starter so I guess that helps it.

Good luck!

tomsC10R · 06-07-2004, 08:42 PM

I would stay away from the wrap for the starter. Use a shield so that air can flow between it and the starter to help cool it. I once used the wrap on a starter

Pilgrim · 06-08-2004, 06:02 PM

I use a 165 degree thermostat here in the summer. Works good with a 327.

71Chevy4-speed · 06-08-2004, 09:10 PM

Mine was running a little hotter in summer than normal...but when I swapped to a four barrel I put an aluminum intake on with a 180 thermostat...runs a little cooler than normal if I'm not pushin it.

06-07-2004, 02:28 PM	#1
thisolechevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 382	HELP my engine overheats what to do Hey my engine is now starting to run warm because summer is here, but I want to fix it it is not really overheating but it is running about 190-200 deg. driving and when it sits still and idleing it runs a any where from 210- 220 deg. The water pump is good and new, brand new radiator 3core, all new hoses, new thermostate 180-190 deg. open and housing. So it is all new stuff but it is still getting to hot for my likings, I figured maybe because I still have the old 4 fin steel fan and no shroud that this could be the reason is it? any advice is help. Oh yeah and something else, if the engine runs warm would it affect my starter?

06-07-2004, 03:34 PM	#4
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	without a schroud you're just moving some air around the engine compartment but not pulling any at all thru the radiator to cool the hot stuff __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

06-07-2004, 03:35 PM	#5
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	If it's a small block definitely. Some of the guys who live in the southern hotter states will actually drop their thermostat down to 180 in the summer, but with a good clutch fan and shroud (and good 4 core radiator) you'll keep heat away from the block over 190-200 degrees. Also, if you have an air conditioner you may think about getting a more modern radiator to handle the cooling. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

06-07-2004, 03:47 PM	#6
franko72 Franko72 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cincinnati,Ohio Posts: 471	Possibly check your temp guage for accuracy with a thermometer .when the thermostat opens see what the trip point is. __________________ 1972 C20 cheyenne Super 402 BB/400 turbo LWB A/C Tilt, Cruise Control, Saddle tanks, Tach My Home Page Better to burn out than it is to rust

06-07-2004, 06:06 PM	#9
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Yeah, headers will fry a starter and solenoid especially if they are ran close to it. They make some heat wrap or even heat shields for starters. Although I run headers I have never personally had heat problems with mys starter, my headers are pretty far spaced from the starter so I guess that helps it. Good luck! __________________ 1971 SWB 4X4 Build BOARD MEMBER #5448 BOOMER SOONER!!!!

06-07-2004, 03:32 PM	#3
LONGHAIR just can't cover up my redneck Join Date: May 2004 Location: Columbus OH Posts: 11,414	A clutch fan and a shroud will probably fix it. Either one alone might help quite a bit but both ought to do fine.

06-07-2004, 03:59 PM	#8
thisolechevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Gainesville, Fl Posts: 382	Just found out that after I let the truck cool to under 160 deg. it will start right up, so it must be the starter right?

06-07-2004, 08:42 PM	#10
tomsC10R Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 281	I would stay away from the wrap for the starter. Use a shield so that air can flow between it and the starter to help cool it. I once used the wrap on a starter __________________ Tom 1968 C10 LWB. 402 BB, Holley MPI, 700R4. 4wheel Hydroboost Disk Brakes.

06-08-2004, 06:02 PM	#11
Pilgrim Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Crescent City, FL Posts: 492	I use a 165 degree thermostat here in the summer. Works good with a 327. __________________ Bob 68 C20 Camper Special

06-08-2004, 09:10 PM	#12
71Chevy4-speed Speed Limit = Floorboard Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kasilof, Alaska Posts: 803	Mine was running a little hotter in summer than normal...but when I swapped to a four barrel I put an aluminum intake on with a 180 thermostat...runs a little cooler than normal if I'm not pushin it. __________________ 1971 C20 350, 4-speed - Sold. 1985 K10 350, Built 700r4, Edel 1406, Performer intake, MSD Ign, Hooker Comps, Silverstars, Piaa drivers, LED tails, Toyo A/T 31's, Eaton Posi, the project. "Build for torque, horsepower will follow"



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