Running too hot (185-220)

Figured i'd make a dedicated post to this problem. I just put in a 160 degree thermostat today...the thing runs a little cooler but its still sitting around 190 according to my SunPro gauge i installed, and almost 220 according to my factory gauge in the dash. Hasn't gone past 200 while i'm driving, but of course goes up once the engine is off. I know i need a new radiator so hopefully when i get that tomorrow itll fix it. I'm also thinking of either doing an electric fan conversion, or at least using those to supplement the stock fan.

Things to note:
-when i took the original water pump off the 350, i noticed it was filled with a rust colored sludge. I cleaned that out, but what i'm wondering is if that means its the same case INSIDE the water jacket? Could this be messing up my radiator? I'll probably flush out the system when i install the new rad anyway.
-Timing is at about 0 degrees... maybe this is the problem? That would explain why it bogs a little and has "less power than i thought" even though i'm a little hesitant to all out "punch it" just yet.

timing is too retarded...move it up to 7 deg ..then adjust for best performance [no pinging]....mark the timing marks with white paint then adjust the timing ..

when the timing is retarded the engine will bog down and run hot..

the use of the 15 min acid flush is what I use when things get out of control in the cooling system when owners screw up this system ...drain out the entire engine {cold} , use the drain plugs on the engine ,,,remove the thermostat...then install the water [tap water] with the acid and run engine at idle for 15-20 min ...then drain the entire system then with the drain plugs removed flush out the system with a water hose engine not running until every thing is clean ...If its bad you may have to do this 2X..

remove the radiator hoses to inspect and flush ..

when its clean install the baking soda to neutralize any acid in the system ...then drain and install the coolant with distilled water ...


electric fans are not required with this engine/vehicle set up....I never had any overheating with these vehicles ...even when towing my 4,ooo lb boat up to the white mountains ..


the use of the 160 deg is also not going to make it run any cooler if it has a damaged dirty cooling system ...180 deg in the lowest I would use ...you will be cold this winter for sure , and the engine will carbon up ...

Thanks for the advice, i'll use it tomorrow when i put the rad in. I just went out for a test drive after adjusting the timing. It idles and responds much better. Temp was just below 190 but it was very consistent. I think this will definitely clear up after the rad swap. I had a little trouble spinning the tire(s), timing might be off still, but i dont think my highway gears are helping :tongue:. Ah well lots of little details to take care of still, but its SO nice knowing i have more power when i need it.

Problem solved. Replaced the radiator today and now it hasn't gone over 175. I just thought 190 was a little too high. I like having more room between the average operating temp and hot/overheating..just a little piece of mind i guess.

Problem solved. Replaced the radiator today and now it hasn't gone over 175. I just thought 190 was a little too high. I like having more room between the average operating temp and hot/overheating..just a little piece of mind i guess.

you should not use the 160 deg F thermostat in that engine with your vehicle . this will cause engine problems...you need 180 deg f at the lowest...a lower temp thermostat does not prevent overheating...a contaminated coolant system does ..


you will not get more power with a 160deg thermostat, only more problems..

^^ I agree, use a 180 deg Tstat

^^ I agree, use a 180 deg Tstat

Yeah i think i'll change it back. It runs a lot cooler now that i have my new radiator in.