Cascade Crew

82camaro383 · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:44 pm Post subject: Engine Overheating

Today I went out and fired the camaro up to get everything tuned since i replace the head gasket. After running about five minutes, I noticed the engine getting hot. I looked at the temp gauge and it was at 220*. Before i replaced the head gasket, the temp would stay constant at the first tick mark above 100*. I bought a new thermostat thinking that was the problem, but it still overheats.

When I replaced the thermostat, I did what the directions said, and started the car with the radiator cap off. Once the engine warmed up, the water in the rad would suck down and come back up and shoot out of the hole.

I have been fighting this thing all day, does anyone have any ideas what is going on.

blue89 · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 9:31 pm Post subject:

Just to cover the basics, did you put the thermostat in the right way? And what temp was the stat you put in? If its easy to pull out, you may want to check it in a pot of water on the stove. Make sure it opens when it says it will.

82camaro383 · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:27 pm Post subject:

The thermostat is a 195*, same as the one I had before and made sure I put it in the right way.

The lower rad hose might be the problem. I did some more researching and discovered that the lower rad hose can collapse and prevent flow. When I rev the engine, I notice the hose pushing together. The hose that i have now is a few years old. Has anyone else heard of this?

Twilightoptics · Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2007 10:58 pm Post subject:

When I put a new T-Stat in my rigs I'll drill two 1/16"-1/8" holes in the plate to make sure there is water flow and no air bubbles.

So if you're sure you're getting flow, might check water pump?

I know Chevymad put new one on last summer and it turned out to have bad blades and not push water very well.

So check for blockages. If the hose looks like it's collapsing, it might be time to replace. Mine is ages old and still works fine. Shouldn't really collapse since there is usually a spring inside it to keep said event from happening.

What do you have going for fans? if they are electric you might look there.

Air damn?

And hitting 220º after only 5 minutes would lead me to believe that there is an air pocket somewhere keeping you from proper cooling, or your temp gauge has a problem somewhere.

Also check your timing. If you are way off somewhere it could cause the motor to heat up.

Sellmanb · Member Joined: 30 Nov 2004 Posts: 727 Location: Tigard, OR

82camaro383 · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 12:07 pm Post subject:

I have a single electric fan and it is hooked up to stay on all the time and it is running.

I don't have an air dam on the car, but before the car never overheated with out it.

I picked up a new lower rad hose today, so i'll try that and se what happens. I'm also going to check the timing as well.

blue89 · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 1:43 pm Post subject:

You may want to check your radiator cap too. If its not holding pressure then the water may be boiling out of the heads. Just to toss out a thought.

82camaro383 · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 6:22 pm Post subject:

I think the temp gauge was the problem the whole time. I hooked up a digital temp gauge between the thermostat housing and the rad hose, and the highest temp reached was 184*.

83Z28BlackBetty · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 10:56 pm Post subject:

hehe

glad things worked out!

~JAKE

Xophertony · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 11:38 pm Post subject:

those gauge sending units are less then 30$. i think i have replaced one myself.

82camaro383 · Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2007 11:48 pm Post subject:

I've been thinking of replacing all the gauges with autometer. I don't trust the factory gauges.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2007 1:12 am Post subject:

I love my autometers. Ironically... since i put them all in in sept of '06.... i've had to replace the temp sender.