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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 08:33 PM
  #1  
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Default Need Some More Advice

I feel bad that I keep asking for help, but it seems whatever answers I get always help!

1980 4 speed

I replaced the Front Lower Valance on my baby last week. Took her out for a little cruise today. She started to overheat!! I brought her home, let her cool off and check the fluids. Everything looked fine. I thought maybe it was just a fluke (okay, I was praying), so I just took her for another little ride. Again, overheated.

The only thing I did was replace that valance. I looked just like the on I took off and it fit perfectly. I know enough to be dangerous. I thought I would ask on the Forum to see if anyone had any ideas!

Thoughts?

As Always, THANKS in advance.
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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 09:29 PM
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Any chance you pulled a wire and broke the cooling fan while down there? Or was the fan running?
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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 09:36 PM
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Many things can cause it to overheat. Check your fan belt, open the top of your radiator before you start it to see if there is an air bubble ,see if anything is blocking the radiator, and also there is a possibility that your thermostat is frozen shut.
There should be enough air coming through the front of the grilles to help cool , so I don't think the valance is the culprit.

Good luck
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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 10:55 PM
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Thanks!!!

fan is running. Looks like a flush and a new thermostat
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Old Jun 27, 2020 | 11:07 PM
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Does the car still have the coolant (overflow) jug?
Is the jug filled with coolant to the upper level on the jug?

Is the coolant level in the radiator topped off when the engine has cooled down for a couple hours after being turned off?

Last edited by doorgunner; Jun 27, 2020 at 11:09 PM.
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Old Jun 28, 2020 | 07:05 AM
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start it up and squeeze the upper radiator hose. It should still be compliant. Then get it up to operating temp and squeeze the upper radiator hose again without burning your hand. It should feel firm. If not then your thermostat may be stuck closed
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Old Jun 29, 2020 | 08:46 PM
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New thermostat and radiator cap seems to have done the trick!!

I am still going to flush and fill the radiator!
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