DOH! Guys, I have a cooling problem. I have an 88 camaro. It had an L98 5.7 L block. I got a new 350 late model long block with vortec heads. I was just driving around trying to break it in and doh! Temp rose to 240! My old motor used to run 220 all the time, but 240 is too high, when I turned it off and left the fan on, the temp rose to 250! DOH! I wonder what the problem is. Water is flowing in the radiator, but I'm sure the damn thing is old as hell. Could this be the problem? I think the water pump is new, I bought it last year. I hope I didn't crack a head or the block or anything. It gets hot even when idleing. New hoses and everything, has oil cooler too, auto tranny. Umm.........I don't want this motor to break because I'm poor. Give me suggestions Please.

 

well i would think that something in your cooling system is way restricted!

you might need more fan power?
thermostat could be faulty?

any more input?

 

If the radiator is old get it checked out by a good shop or replace it with a new one. Install two 12" electric fans because they cover more surface area of the radiator. Install a 180* thermostat and drill two 1/8" holes on the edges to purge air from the cooling system and only put in 1 gallon of coolant so the ratio will be close to 70/30. If you have to replace the water pump, get a Stewart Stage 1 from www.stewartcomponents.com these are the best direct replacement pumps. That should do it.

 

Is the fan supposed to be hitting the radiator or the motor, I feel a lot of air going the direction of motor but I don't know if its hitting the radiator. Is this how its supposed to be? I have 2 fans, and I just did a replacement of radiator right now. Car runs fine but still idles above 220. Better than what it was though.

 

The fan is supposed to pull air through the radiator and blow it towards the engine; so you'd feel the greatest amount of air moving between the fan motor and the engine block. Just for grins you can check to see how much air is being blown forward through the radiator; if it's an aftermarket fan it could be set up as a pusher rather than a puller.

Oh yeah, what GKK said about the thermostat and waterpump if you feel you can handle about $80; it made quite a difference with my 383.

S.

 

also, check your timing, and make sure you're not running excessively lean or rich.

 

I think I solved my problem, well actually my dad did. We hooked up the fans so they are on all the time and now it idles fine Thanks for the input guys. I am looking into getting a stage 2 Stewart water pump, and a Be Cool radiator down the line. Any input on these 2 items would be appreciated. Woohoo!