Radiator reads 150/100/150 with a laser therm

[CedRunner]

Having some overheating issues so I did a bunch of reading on here then took it to a shop to inquire about my radiator. I overheat going up-hill or 2500rpm for long periods. I flushed (with Preston flush) rusty water out last week and refilled...water back to rusty color so I must not have done a good job. Took it to a shop down the street for some trouble shooting. The tech says my fan clutch is good ( I second that opinion having done the rolled up page of news paper test). He then took a bunch of readings on radiator with a laser temp gun aiming it on the ribs of radiator pass the fan. His readings were 150/100/150 from left, center and right. Lower hose reads 150, thermostat housing before thermostat reads 150, and housing just past thermostat reacts 172. He says the temp before and after thermostat should be the same since we were a operating temp and recommends me replacing it. He also said that my radiator water is still way too rusty and I should drain a little of it, add radiator flush and drive around for a few days ( I thought that u aren't supposed to drive with flush in radiator???). So, does it sound like a clogged radiator or a bad thermostat or both?

 

[Singtoe]

You need to measure the temps when it is overheating to see where the issue is.


All those numbers seam within spec.

 

[CedRunner]

Thanks Singtoe, I'll see what I can do about re-measuring when it's overheating. He did say he thought that my system was over pressurized, top radiator hose was really hard when he tried to squeez it.

 

[Singtoe]

Thanks Singtoe, I'll see what I can do about re-measuring when it's overheating. He did say he thought that my system was over pressurized, top radiator hose was really hard when he tried to squeez it.

That is what she said.
:girl:

 

[CedRunner]

That is what she said.
:girl:

I just re-read my post and oh boy did I ask for that one! Thanks for the laughs!

 

[fastolds]

I personally would forget the flush stuff. Putting that stuff into a weak system could wreck shop.
Here's what I would do:
Open the radiator drain and let as much drain out as possible. refill with water, and let run. drain again. With it draining, put a hose in the filler neck of the radiator on low pressure. start engine and let run that way. Try to match the amount of water going in as going out of the drain. Continue this way, watching temps, until you get clear water out of it.

I would then replace the thermostat with a high quality one. (i prefer factory ones, but I'm sure others would chime in with their opinions.)

And I would also make a judgement call on the radiator. If it is the factory one, I would seriously consider replacing it on principle. There are some decent aftermarket radiators out there that would be better priced than factory in this case.

And don't forget the radiator cap. It is a very important piece of the cooling system and routinely gets forgotten about, since you take that out of the equation when testing the system. (I, again, prefer factory parts in this case as well)

After replacing the parts required, I would drain as much of the water out of the system, and probably put a 75/25 mix of coolant to water ratio back in, which would hopefully bring the ratio back to 50/50 with the water that is left in the system after the last draining.

All this assumes that you have ruled out issues like external leaks, internal leaks, and other blockages. Do you have heat? What is the condition of the belts? they aren't slipping, etc? Water pump in good working order?
good luck!

 

[Cameronswmp9]

The radiator could be clogged in that area, causing the issue of the changing temperature. It should be very close in temperature all the way across.

However, with the information you have given, it is hard to say because it wasnt overheating. I would start it and let it run, get it hot, maybe drive it around the house some and not get too far, especially if you have the hills around to make it hot. Then I would quickly check it all out with the laser therm and your hand to feel and see whats going on.

The advice above is solid advice. Factory toy parts are great but there are great aftermarket parts out there too. Remember you get what you pay for when it comes to parts.