Engine overheating... - Lateral-g Forums

rockdogz · #1 08-24-2008, 12:29 PM

Thanks for the ideas...
I have a new wiring harness and don't think voltage to the fans is an issue, but I will make sure.
I did drill the thermostat - the FrontRunner instructions told me to do that. Would that ensure that no air pockets exist, or would you recommend still filling the block first? I agree that an air pocket sounds like it could be the culprit, I'm just not sure how it would have gotten in there if it had been fine before and not having filled the radiator recently.

**camcojb** · #2 08-24-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockdogz

Thanks for the ideas...
I have a new wiring harness and don't think voltage to the fans is an issue, but I will make sure.
I did drill the thermostat - the FrontRunner instructions told me to do that. Would that ensure that no air pockets exist, or would you recommend still filling the block first? I agree that an air pocket sounds like it could be the culprit, I'm just not sure how it would have gotten in there if it had been fine before and not having filled the radiator recently.

probably not an air pocket if you drilled the thermostat. Has it always had a heating issue, and is it only at idle? What size are the fans?

rockdogz · #3 08-24-2008, 02:27 PM

No it has not had any cooling issues until now - usually not over 180. It may get hotter while idling on a hot day, but I would say not over 200 and it comes back down when I get moving again. There are two 12" fans.

After filling the radiator yesterday, today it is down a couple inches when I checked... I will drain it and check the fluid before filling it back up and checking the timing. I pulled the plugs and didn't see any apparent issues.

rockdogz · #4 08-24-2008, 04:25 PM

Ok, drained the fluid and it looked fine. Re-checked timing at 10 degrees BTDC. Engine still got way hot. One thing that I'm noticing - the lower radiator hose is not collapsing, but it is also cool enough to touch while the coolant temp is over 200. Is this normal? Could the water pump not be working? Not sure how to check that besides maybe pulling the lower radiator hose and trying to see the impeller turning.

**camcojb** · #5 08-24-2008, 04:38 PM

that will be the coolest water in the system as the radiator has done it's job and that's where the pump pulls the water into the engine. Should still be pretty warm, not sure you can hang onto it, I've never tried.

Starting to wonder about the thermostat, or possibly the pump. Leaning towards the thermostat.

Jody

rockdogz · #6 08-24-2008, 04:49 PM

I've already pulled the t-stat and put it in a pot of water on the stove with a meat thermometer, and it opened at 180-185 or so. Wouldn't that rule it out? The system is pressurized as I can not squeeze the bottom hose while it's hot, but it is cool to the touch... I think the t-stat isn't opening or the pump isn't circulating the coolant. I guess even though I tested the t-stat, it's easier to replace that than removing the water pump...

Vegas69 · #7 08-24-2008, 05:22 PM

If the upper radiator hose is hot then the T Stat is fine. If your lower radiator hose is cool but the upper is hot your radiator may be clogged.