coolant temps

[steve k.]

I have a 1981 C30 with a 350 instead of it's original 454. Most of the time the temp gauge sits at 1/4 and occasionally moves to 1/2. The truck is only used for towing my race car and I am about to take a long trip from San Francisco to Seattle. Climbing 10000 feet in what could be 100 degree heat. A couple questions I have are:

1. what temperatures are at 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and red on the gauge?
2. what is normal operating temp?
3. can the stock fan be replaced with another to draw more air without going to electric fan.
4. does "Tow Cool", "water wetter" or any other additives to the coolant work for keeping the temps down
5. what can I do to keep the temps down on the trip?

Thanks a lot forall the help,
steve k.

[Justins76]

Yeah, I wondered about the actual temps too. I rearly see over 1/4, even when its over 100 degrees outside.

[76sierraclassic]

My '76 generally runs at just under 1/2 on the temp guage, but I don't know what the actual temp is.

Mike

[Grim Reaper]

On my 75 and 79 they run just over 1/4 most of the year but in summer. THe 79 with working A/C would hit half. That's with a 180 thermostat. No markings to know that the temp is.

Now on my 88 454 burb. Straight up is 210 degrees. Hash marks are in the same location as the older trucks. The truck runs a 195 thrmostat and with the A/C on 210 is not uncommon for it and concidered NORMAL temp according to GM on FI trucks.

[76sierraclassic]

Originally Posted by Grim Reaper

THe 79 with working A/C would hit half. That's with a 180 thermostat. No markings to know that the temp is.

My '76 mentioned above also has a working A/C and a 180 thermostat.

Mike