Radiator

[79cheyenne79]

When I start my truck the temp goes up to 260. Then after I hit the gas for awhile the temp drops back down to 180 like it suppose too and a few times not that often once in a blue moon it will happened while Im driving. What do ya'll think it is. I just put the temp gauge in last week and I had the truck for about 1 yr. Its a 79 k20 long bed 5.7 4bbl

 

[mxfireman]

thermostat maybee? how old is it....

 

[dyeager535]

If the gauge is accurate, I'd bet the thermostat is sticking.

Parts store cheapies are a coin toss if they will work brand new out of the box, a Delco thermostat is a good choice.

 

[MattK]

If the gauge is accurate, I'd bet the thermostat is sticking.

Parts store cheapies are a coin toss if they will work brand new out of the box, a Delco thermostat is a good choice.

agreed.

 

[Kyle Strong]

yeah, I'm fairly sure the t-stat is sticking. They're cheap. replace it.

 

[4xcrazy]

Check your coolant level, i thought i had a bad t-stat awhile back, did the same thing, went to tear it down and replace it, and found it to be very low on coolant.

Found that i had a very slow, small leak from the rad hose to the intake, fixed the hose, and went ahead and replaced the t-stat,,,,,,no problems since.

 

[79cheyenne79]

i changed the t stat im letting the silicone dry overnight and hopefully i wont see that problem any more. I got a t-stat that is set at 160 is that cool? i think its suppose to be set at 180

 

[dyeager535]

Stock GM is 195*, if it doesn't stay cool with a 195*, any other temp t-stat is a bandaid for another problem.