Temperaure Question

[Redwookie]

Hey guys I was wondering about what coolant temp you guys would expect an 89 w/350 TBI to normally run at? Mine is running between 205-214 depending on summer/winter what I'm doing sitting/driving but that seems a little warm to me. The radiator is full the coolant looks good. Fresh oil. Fresh tune up on it. Any Ideas

Oh and the other day after driving across the city during 105 degree day. I had anothder prob. I hadn't experienced b4 that could be related? It started and immediately died then turned over but didn't fire up. It almost started a few times but then went dead. Had to wait a few then try again and it started up. Maybe running lean? Could I need new injectors? thx all. Oh yeah checked for codes. No codes.

 

[ryoken]

Not uncommon to see those temps, you have a 195 thermostat. If everything isn't quite up to snuff or it's working hard, you can see 210..

Was the fuel pump coming on? A couple cans of Seafoam in the tank is always good for injectors, etc... Filter fresh?

That sounds more like an ignition issue to me.... module might have a crack or be on it's way out.

 

[Redwookie]

Not uncommon to see those temps, you have a 195 thermostat. If everything isn't quite up to snuff or it's working hard, you can see 210..

Was the fuel pump coming on? A couple cans of Seafoam in the tank is always good for injectors, etc... Filter fresh?

That sounds more like an ignition issue to me.... module might have a crack or be on it's way out.

Hey thx. I've never heard of Seafoam. Where do ya get it? I have not replaced the filter since I bought her a year ago so who knows how old it is. As for the ign. module I thought when they go bad they just stopped period? I did know there was a period of decreased efficiency er anything but I'll check it out.

 

[ryoken]

Modules can just die, but they have also been known to develop hairline cracks, expand when heated and cause erratic issues..

Most decent autoparts places carry Seafoam... definitely good to throw a can in your tank a couple times a year..

And please, if your filter is of unknown age, change it.. cheap insurance, and a common cause of many issues, moreso with the ethanol out imo...

 

[Redwookie]

Modules can just die, but they have also been known to develop hairline cracks, expand when heated and cause erratic issues..

Most decent autoparts places carry Seafoam... definitely good to throw a can in your tank a couple times a year..

And please, if your filter is of unknown age, change it.. cheap insurance, and a common cause of many issues, moreso with the ethanol out imo...

Interesting a/b the ign mod. hmm. Yeah I'll try the seafoam then and the filter change. Thx. again Ryoken

 

[Jason4x4]

If all else fails, I know of a good shop down there. and don't get a cheapo filter, go to merle's and get a wix.

 

[Redwookie]

If all else fails, I know of a good shop down there. and don't get a cheapo filter, go to merle's and get a wix.

Thx yeah I'll do that. I know better than to buy a cheap fuel filter. It would end being a pain in my arse.

 

[Thunder]

Dont trust your stock guage. They are usually incorrect. My stock guage reads 5 or more degrees hotter than what the ECM is reading thru the coolant temp sensor. My 89 runs 190-210 depending on ambient temp and load, if AC is on ECT
The proper thermostat is 195 degrees. So temps of 200 or a little more are Ok.
If you are having stalling problems and hard starting when hot with no codes the problem most likely is a bad dist module. When they get weak they commonly give problems when hot.
Just for your piece of mind you might drain a little coolant out of the radiator and have a look down the filler cap at the tubes to see if they are corroded with a bunch of white stuff. If they are, a new radiator is in order. If they are clean you shouldn't have any worries about your cooling system.