Rad, Engine Temp Questions

[groundbound64]

Hey All,

I've got a 64 with early 80's 350cid, new themostat (180deg 2 weeks ago), new re-cored rad, newer cap (fall2012) and new coolant. The issue I'm having is.... went I start up my truck coolant start to come out the overflow pipe ( i don't have a bottle yet), temp gauge reads around 180-190. I used laser temp reader, it read 180-190. So, I assume the gauge it working. Another issue is when I turn my truck off coolant pisses out the overflow pipe.. I was thinking I have a air bubble in the system.. Is 180 deg a good running temp??? Any thoughts??

[gmcdeadhead]

on my 66 c-20 , truck with the stock 292 and stock radiator , mine when filled all the way to the top will leak out the over flow tube until it gets to a certain level in the radiator and then it will be good to go. it has done that for years , i run a 180 thermostat and it's ok for me.

[jayoldschool]

Yes, those operating temps are fine. Suspect a bad rad cap!

[groundbound64]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

Yes, those operating temps are fine. Suspect a bad rad cap!

I was kinda thinking that too.. It was new in the fall and kept it when i got rad re-cored.. It's rated for 7 psi.. seems kinda low to me.. my other truck and wives car is 15/13lbs caps

[groundbound64]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

Yes, those operating temps are fine. Suspect a bad rad cap!

I was kinda thinking that too.. It was new in the fall and kept it when i got rad re-cored.. It's rated for 7 psi.. seems kinda low to me.. my other truck and wives car is 15/13lbs caps

[19666Trucker]

I get new cap 13psi is what you should get
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[Irishbleueyes]

Yes, new cap at least 13 psi and then the overflow bottle and you'll be fine

[OldTrucksRule]

I'm with the higher PSI cap and the universal fit plastic overflow bottle. I would not bother with the pricey chrome ones. Had one and it leaked liquid out of the cap.

[Sharps40]

Normal function is to piss coolant out the pipe till the water level is down a bit. To stop it install a recovery system and ya can run a full to the rim radiator. Regardless of cap rating it'll always piss heat expanded fluid till ya catch it. On cooling the fluid contracts and refils rhe rad core from the overflow. All a 13 lb cap does is raise the boil temp above 212 degrees at sea level atmospheric pressure.
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[tincan1966]

Make sure if you add a recovery bottle, that you get the appropriate cap for a "closed" system, or it will not function properly.
If you do not install a recovery tank, install the 13 PSI cap and run your coolant level about 1/2-1" below the bottom of the neck- all you need is about 1/2" coolant over the top of the cores.

There's a lot of guys that could only wish their trucks would run at 180-190 degrees all day long! LOL

[padresag]

your truck originally came with a 7lb cap. with the rad being redone you should have no problem wit a higher pressure cap. the only problem after that, is if your heater core is orig and getting a little tired it could spring a leak. then all that you have to is replace that if it leaks. there are pressure testers for rads-cooling system, which will tell you it it leaks down or not(every gas station had one at one time and wouldn't charge you for it. now it would more than likely be a $100.. diagnostic fee.
ron

[19666Trucker]

You need new cap if coolant start coming out as soon as you start the engine there only five or eight bucks the red color you got covering the metal looks good. Can't wait see you drop it.
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[groundbound64]

Originally Posted by 19666Trucker

You need new cap if coolant start coming out as soon as you start the engine there only five or eight bucks the red color you got covering the metal looks good. Can't wait see you drop it.
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Thanks. Paint looks good from far but far from good... Lol. Going to try and pick-up rad cap this weekend. And if I get a chance clean clean my garage so I can start taking the truck and installing the bags. Can't wait to see how this AccuAir stuff works !!! I just need more hours in the day. My wife gave birth to our twins girls 8 weeks ago.. I've never been so busy in my life !! My truck will get done some day... Lol
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[19666Trucker]

Wow you got hand full new kids and old truck, wife said this weekend is hers.
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