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Hot, Hot, Hot

I'll jump on the airflow bandwagon, too.

FWIW, the (functioning) temp gauge on my stock 1980 K20 cooling system never moved, even on days hot enough that my starter solenoid refused to operate- 120+, idleing in traffic. And that's after my radiator started to leak and I ran a bottle of stop leak through the thing. That leads me to believe that water wetter, etc., isn't absolutely necessary, even in AZ heat.

I can't remember how many times I've got defective parts from non-Delco sources, to include NAPA.

You could always check your T-stat in a pot of water on the stove.

Perhaps a solid fan spacer is in order- at least temporarily.
 
Not fixed, but bandaided I think. I took the clutch back and exchanged it for another which helped. And I also cut about a foot and a half of the cowl seal out which also helped. I haven't gone over 210 much yet, but I haven't let it idle once it gets that hot to test it either. I rev it up in neutral or park, or start driving at that point and it cools right down so far. I haven't been in a safe place (driveway) when I don't have to drive it again that day so I feel comfortable trying to get it to overheat, plus it has to be in the heat of the day. Of course last year at this time I never went over 200*, so even if it won't go over 210* it's still not great IMO. I'm thinking about going electric instead of spending more dough on another fan clutch, esp since I'm doing dual batteries and upgrading my electrical anyways. I guess I can't decide and that's why I haven't done anything else yet. :dunno: If I do decide to go electric, I'll probably stick it out for the summer and convert next spring to give me some time to gather funds for flexalites. Even though I worry about getting stuck in traffic somewhere with the kids in the afternoon and overheating. :crazy: Esp since my windows don't roll down right now. :doah: I should test it out tomorrow. It's amazing what you don't fix once you get used to driving it that way. My burb really needs some attention. I've been neglecting it. :o Thanks for asking.
 
When you're moving, the fan will probably not be on- typically they are on a temp switch. At idle, when it's on, no, it will not typically move as much air as a properly functioning mech fan, but it will definately flow more than a malfunctioning one. It will free up a couple HP and MPG, too. Just make sure you get a big enough one. A single 16" can be had for under a hundred bucks. Not sure if that will be enough flow or not. I've seen BBC muscle cars run them, but no trucks off the top of my head. Most factory setups have more than one fan. My 07 has electric fans factory, as do lots of other IFS era rigs.
 
I left it running today in the driveway and it got well over 210. I should probably just go for the dealer clutch. I'll be pming you soon Jason.

There's just one more thing I want to check though. I read another thread today about an a/c lead that goes from an a/c switch into the ecm and adjusts the rpms when you switch on the a/c to compensate for the drag the compressor puts on the serp belt. I found it in my wiring diagrams and I'm going to trace these wires and make sure everything is hooked up right and nothing is unplugged or looks suspect. I also wonder if my mechanic changed out this switch when he converted me over from R12 to R134a since it looks like there are two different ones on the napa website. Maybe I'm just chasing ghosts though.
 
Do you know if the block has ever had any 'freeze' plugs replaced? I know a real crappy stunt a lot of backyard lazy A _ _ H _ _ _'s have done is just push the old plug into the block instead of pulling it out. Consiquently that just adds to restricting water flow. I know first hand as when I was rebuilding an old Ford when I popped out the plugs I found one inside of the block also. My '87 K5 has been running on the hot side lately (210 - 215) but I've had problens in the past from driving through tall weeds in some of the pastures down here. A lot of that crap gets sucked up between the xmission cooler, A/C coils and radiator and created a nice fuzzy blanket across the front of the radiator which you couldn't see untill you got the radiator pulled back. I just pulled my grill out last weekend to clean everything out of there (not much this time) but my try going to a cooler thermostat instead of the 190.

Just some of my experiences.
 
fireplug said:
To avoid highjacking could you guys posting temps check out my post "Temp Gauges". Thanks!

Not a hijack....but when did they (GM) switch over to a serpentine belt on the trucks? Cause unless I just had a brain fart, mine doesn't have one, and it's an '86.
 
I think it started in '89, but it wasn't a uniform esp in crew cabs and burbs. And how does that relate to my post so it is that not a hijack?
 
mini_mull said:
I think it started in '89, but it wasn't a uniform esp in crew cabs and burbs. And how does that relate to my post so it is that not a hijack?

Eh, I meant to say "I don't mean to hijack"... At 3:00am I should've been in bed, not posting on CK5 :rolleyes:
 

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