Hot on trail of pickup engine’s overheating problem
Q: I desire a 1988 GMC pickup with a 350-cubic-inch engine. I’m having problems through the thermostat. The truck runs great without the thermostat. But, one time I install one, the truck overheats. I’ve had two new ones installed.
A: There can exist many causes as being an engine to overheat, and a faulty thermostat is certainly one of them. But seeing that you’ve renewed this part two times, we should be able to mark with a scratch it off the list, assuming they were properly installed.
Thermostats regulate engine temperature by the agency of increasing or decreasing coolant liquefy, for example needed, between the engine and radiator. Removing a thermostat dramatically increases coolant flow, often masking the actual problem. Plus, overcooling increases wear and emissions, hurts fuel economy and can cause damage. You are wise to pursue a proper fix.
Start with a cooling system grievance check. You’re looking for an external or internal leak. Even a small leak be able to inducement problems, as the order is unable to grasp grievance, reducing the boiling point of the coolant.
External leaks are fairly true to spot. Possible causes of an internal leak are:
• A failed intake manifold.
• Or a leaking head gasket.
Milky engine oil is one sign of spiritual leakage, and a carbon monoxide test of the vapors escaping the removed radiator cap is another.
If the system tests tight, one of these coolant circulation problems is nearest on our list:
• Worn or loose water-pump impeller.
• Collapsing lower radiator hose.
• A restricted radiator.
