Engine temp issue
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2,319
Likes: 720
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.
Dr. Detroit
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 10,095
Likes: 4,022
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
Jebby
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 904
Likes: 569
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
60
Last edited by 1860army; Oct 16, 2020 at 01:46 PM.
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