Still running hot!

[Danny Armstrong]

I've checked a few things since posting the last time as recommended. Checked manifold heat control valve, seems to be in the open position. I removed the restrictor from the vac. line to the distributor. I haven't done anything to the catalitic converter yet ( it is probably restricted due to a super rich carb. that used to be on the engine ). I pulled in to work this morning ( temp guage reading about 220 ) and checked the fan. While I was watching it, the clutch ( which is new ) finally engaged and began cooling. Shouldn't the clutch engage sooner? When I replaced all the cooling components I went with a standard 195 deg. thermostat. Should I go with a 180? This is my second Jeep wagon in the last 21 years and with this one, I am loosing my patience ( about to push her off a cliff ). Has anyone tried to convert to electric fans?

Thanks in advance for any input.

[Danny Armstrong]

I forgot to mention just what I was talking about here.

1988 Grand Wagoneer

[Danny Armstrong]

I forgot to mention just what I was talking about here.

1988 Grand Wagoneer
360 V8, w/RV cam, no air pump, stock 2150 rebuilt carb, 155,000 mi. on original engine.
AC converted to 134a refrigerant.
Transmission and transfer case new in 2000.
New radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, condenser, hoses, belts, carb, trans. cooler, etc.

[JeepFreak]

Does it overheat while idling or on the highway or both. 195 in my personal opinion is to high for or Wags in the summer. I run a 180 in mine and it works great. You can tell when the fan clutch is doing it's job just by driving it. When the clutch gets warm and engages the fan it makes a large "fan" noise. Also when you shut of your truck look to see if the fan keeps spinning. If it is working it will slow very fast. Also when was the last time you flushed your block? With that many miles you are sure to have some build up in there. The cooling passages are not real big and can become plugged. Also since it is running hot have you had the Radiator flow tested? One last thing most people over look is the radiator cap. These things can fail and when they do they can raise the temp pretty fast by lowering the coolants boiling point.

[JeepFreak]

Ok just read and saw you had new radiator so that takes that one out. Are you running a shroud on the radiator? This seems to be really needed when the air is used. Also you said you converted your A/C to r134a right? Have you checked the pressure on the low side to make sure it is 25 to 45. The condensing coil may be getting to hot which can cause nothing but hot air to be fed to the radiator. You might have good luck with lowering the thermostat and getting a pusher fan to mount to the front of the condensing coil.

[Danny Armstrong]

I charged the ac system to about 20lbs on the low side, which is a bit low, but it works great. I didn't want to overcharge it since the 134 runs about 30-40 degrees hotter on the high side. But it's heating up even with the ac off. I'm going to keep trying stuff until hopefully something works. I remembered recently that I drove the thing all over the beaches at Cape Hatteras NC last summer without any of these problems, and that was before all the new stuff, go figure. Thanks for the input.

Danny

[JeepFreak]

Did you go with a new Radiator or have yours rebuilt? I would for sure drop the thermostat down to 180 and make sure you replaced the radiator cap. Some people will argue with me on the themostat but I have had a few of these trucks and it is my experience that a 195 is just to darn high.

[Rockwagon]

I have fought a heating problem for two years now. Mine is mainly due to the engine rebuild and set I cursed my self with. I change several things but the only two that realy made a differance is a flex fan, and triminng about 6"s of the bottom off the of the inner fenders. This alowed the hot air to escape alot easier.

[Oracle]

Rock, which fan did you use? I've heard the Summit Fans are better and cheaper than the Flex Fans. Going to try one or the other myself.
Thanx

[mtn goat]

How is your timing? I believ if its too retarded you will overheat>

[Coley]

I was driving myself nuts over my overheating problem. Everything new, with the exception of the waterpump and 180 degree stat. I went to check the vac lines and lo and behold, I found the vac line unplugged from the back of the air cleaner housing- the same one that runs to the EGR. Plugged it back in, and no problems since-temp stays at a good level, no knocking.

Good luck, you will find it eventually!

[Danny Armstrong]

Thanks guys for all your help. The radiator is new. And as for the timing, I've been told that too advanced causes overheating. I'm going to give it a good going over this weekend, I may wind up taking out some vacuum lines and simplifying things as well as getting rid of the converter.

Danny
88' GW

[Petey69]

Danny,
We are experiencing the same type of troubles. Check out Vapor lock posted by Petey69. Timing is so critical! I keep the 85 360 with a 180. Anymore and I am guarenteed overheat!
P

[Manhattan]

I'm in the same boat - Everything is new (even had the AC system repaired and charged with 134 yesterday). I can't drive over 60 mph for more than 20 minutes without the temp going north of 230.

I've played with the timing - it's retarded to the point that it stumbles and spits at low rpm and it still gets hot.

I'm sure it is a timing/vacuum issue - It's fine cruising at 40 mph. It's supposed to be harder to cool at low speeds... not for Bushwood.

I'm running a K&N with no vacuum lines... is this a problem?

[Agent Orange]

I'm in the same boat as bushwood. Fine at 45-50 but I get up to 220 on the highway at 60+.

[joe]

Originally posted by Agent Orange:
Fine at 45-50 but I get up to 220 on the highway at 60+.AO, are you running a fan shroud? On a lifted rig like yours you'll have more even more turbulent air in the eng bay than normal from the front axle/frame etc distrubing the flow at hwy speeds. The fan will be pulling the easiest air it can find...from around the sides and back of the radiator rather than from the front through the rad. Just a thought...

[Oracle]

one other thing, elevation change? your engine if tuned for Colorado altitudes will be running way lean in Arizone (unles you live in Flag smile.gif This will make your engine run a lot hotter...check your plugs and take a look. a retune is most likely in order.