Engine temp issue

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Oct 13, 2020 | 07:35 PM

Jellerthree

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Engine temp issue

I have a 1982 V3. Recently, it has developed an engine temperature problem. When the car first warms up, the temperature spikes, stays there for 5 minutes, then drops back the normal range. If I keep driving the car, the temperature stays in the normal range. Each time I drive the car, the temperature spikes gets hirer. Today, it rose almost to the red temperature zone.

The radiator and overflow tank are full. Some people have said this might be caused by a sticking thermostat. Do you have ideas what might be causing these temperature spikes.

Oct 13, 2020 | 08:50 PM

MelWff

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Start by changing the thermostat and stop driving it till it is fixed.

Oct 13, 2020 | 09:25 PM

Jellerthree

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Thank you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelWff

Start by changing the thermostat and stop driving it till it is fixed.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'll try changing the thermostat.

Oct 16, 2020 | 09:44 AM

Eliredandblack

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2018

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From: Marietta GA

I just had my cooling system flushed on my SB 73 at a local radiator repair shop. They removed two of the hose and attached another hose connected to their air compressor. This is the best $ 85 I have ever spent (I brought my own antifreeze). They did such a good job that I took my F Body over there on Monday.

Oct 16, 2020 | 10:05 AM

Jebbysan

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From: New Braunfels Texas

Your thermostat is sticking......purchase a new one. I like the Mr. Gasket 180 degree hi flow unit......Stant makes this as well. Stock is 195 but the 180 will work great....

Jebby

Oct 16, 2020 | 10:57 AM

Jellerthree

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Thanks

Thanks for your good ideas.

Oct 16, 2020 | 01:45 PM

1860army

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From: Central NJ

While it sure sounds like a sticking thermostat, it could also be your charging system. Mine was showing an over heat condition earlier this year, it would climb much higher than normal and then drop back down, usually as it warmed up from the first start of the day. I noticed the charging gauge was also higher than normal and put a meter on the battery while it was running, 16VDC plus or minus a little. I cleaned the contacts for the two wire connector on the alternator (Brown/red wire) and the charging returned to normal and so did the temps, the higher voltage made the gauge read higher.. I think it happened more after the first start because the battery was lower from sitting a few days and the charge increased even more... Just something I noticed...

60

Last edited by 1860army; Oct 16, 2020 at 01:46 PM.