Mounts and shroud need to be modded. Not huge, but enough that I don't consider it "bolt in".
Will give more dtls later
CK5
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Cooling System Overhaul - Stumped and Frustrated
- Thread starter dhcomp
- Start date
Mounts and shroud need to be modded. Not huge, but enough that I don't consider it "bolt in".
Will give more dtls later
They DO sell a made in the USA version, for about $50 more, but it sounds like its not a stock item. I don't have time to wait on it
I added some pipe insulation around the edge of the shroud to close up any gaps I had between it and the core of the radiator. This make sure no air escapes around the side and is forced thru the fan.
Good call
Well, this radiator cools better, and at times kept temps below the thermostat level....but besides that, not much improvement.
Will still run 220ish on the freeway, and temps still climb under load, even not towing.
Based on the odd behavior under load, i'm going to look back into possible collapsing hoses.
What is the best way to prevent this? Springs the best way, or are there some solid type hoses i should be looking into?
Will still run 220ish on the freeway, and temps still climb under load, even not towing.
Based on the odd behavior under load, i'm going to look back into possible collapsing hoses.
What is the best way to prevent this? Springs the best way, or are there some solid type hoses i should be looking into?
Dang, dude! Your patience is far greater than mine. 
Keep it up, you'll get it taken care of.
Keep it up, you'll get it taken care of.
Dang, dude! Your patience is far greater than mine.
Not so sure on the patience thing. If I wasn't just about to wire money on a house, I'd be picking up this beast this weekend....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003...5722392?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3f26e8ac98
But considering i'm about to be broke......gotta keep trying.
If this was a carburetor truck, I would wonder about ignition timing but I don't know if that could be possible on an EFI truck.
y5mgisi
1 ton status
Spring is the best way. And don't forget the clogged cat idea.
jesus Darren. I don't know how you haven't gone postal and burnt this thing to the ground yet!?
it doesn't make sense, wtf else is even in the system that hasn't been touched?
it doesn't make sense, wtf else is even in the system that hasn't been touched?
Despite not keeping cool like i'd like it to, it has kept getting the job done.
Just dont' like having to nervously watch my temps on a brand new motor.
Trust me, like i said above, if i wasn't about to wire my life savings into escrow on a house, i'd be upgrading.
Anyone make hoses for this truck with teh spring? Would sure like to throw new hoses on containing springs rather than cram springs into my existing hoses.
Rock auto lists one "without spring", but doesn't say which have springs. I'm guessing none....
y5mgisi
1 ton status
This problem didn't start after you did the intake manifold gaskets a long time ago did it?
y5mgisi
1 ton status
Certainly you can find radiator hose springs on Google right? I would just buy springs and stick them in your current hoses.
Nah. And I did them twice on the old motor, so i was pretty experienced by the time i got to the new motor. That, and I did them on the stand this time. Should be fine.
In molded hoses, I believe only lower hose applications will have a spring.
Fwiw, I think all flex hoses have a spring. They're not pretty but would work for testing.
Fwiw, I think all flex hoses have a spring. They're not pretty but would work for testing.
I thought you already verified the hose wasn't collapsing? Only additional test I might do is to squeeze the lower radiator hose while the engine is warm and idling, make sure its pressurized, then increase the engine RPM to whatever your max RPM while towing is, and see if it remains solid.
Your heater hoses are hooked up correctly? Not sure how those would affect engine cooling, but about the only other external factor that could possibly be an issue I can think of.
Did you try with no thermostat as well?
Your heater hoses are hooked up correctly? Not sure how those would affect engine cooling, but about the only other external factor that could possibly be an issue I can think of.
Did you try with no thermostat as well?
y5mgisi
1 ton status
My question about the intake gaskets is due to there being variations on which motors use the restrictor plates at the ends.
Are you talking about the "crossover" for coolant at the rear of the intake? I'm under the impression *most* motors didn't use one, but some did?
I haven't looked at head gaskets in awhile, don't know what differences exist for the small blocks of the early 90's vintage.
I would imagine if it was an issue with head gaskets, the IR temp gun might be usable on various locations of the heads to see if there are any markedly hotter than others. Even at idle if there are hotspots, you should be able to see them if it is due to flow issues.
I haven't looked at head gaskets in awhile, don't know what differences exist for the small blocks of the early 90's vintage.
I would imagine if it was an issue with head gaskets, the IR temp gun might be usable on various locations of the heads to see if there are any markedly hotter than others. Even at idle if there are hotspots, you should be able to see them if it is due to flow issues.
If you plan to keep the truck i suggest getting set up for some datalogging. I just don't see how this thing would be this hard to keep cool. not that 220 scares me when towing. My 89 will run 5' to 10' hotter then the t-stat and it doesn't matter what temp the t-stat is. Again i have not towed with this truck yet.
Does it run cooler when you have it in drive instead of overdrive when towing flat ground or light hill climbs?
reason i ask, on a step hill climb at very slow speed, if i force my truck into 2nd gear(th400) i will see the temp actually go down do to the increase in coolant flow from the higher RPM. only about 5'.
Does it run cooler when you have it in drive instead of overdrive when towing flat ground or light hill climbs?
reason i ask, on a step hill climb at very slow speed, if i force my truck into 2nd gear(th400) i will see the temp actually go down do to the increase in coolant flow from the higher RPM. only about 5'.
y5mgisi
1 ton status
Darren! (not that it would solv anything...) but you should ship that thing up here for me to put a 6.0 in it while me and Pinsco63 are doing a 6.0 in his 91! Oh if only...
