Engine Temp

Jvmac88 · July 28, 2009

i have a 1989 chevy k1500 new 350 about 11,000 on it. this summer i have been using the a/c and the mechanical temp gauge i put in said it was running about 230 while driving on highway. turn off a/c goes to 190. truck had a 195 thermostat in it friends dad said to put a 185 in and my problem should be fixed. didnt help me, some people have been telling me that 230 is fine with the a/c on. i think that is too hot, i could be wrong i jsy dont want to hurt the engine. any advice appreshated!

2COR517 · July 28, 2009

230 is pretty darn toasty. Sounds like the radiator can't keep up with the warmer air after passing through the condenser. Did you do a cooling system flush after the new motor? Did you change the fan?

Draenor · July 28, 2009

First check the radiator for any debris that could be blocking airflow. Second I would flush the cooling system. Also, I would inspect the fan clutch and see if it is operating correctly.

txab · July 28, 2009

First check the radiator for any debris that could be blocking airflow. Second I would flush the cooling system. Also, I would inspect the fan clutch and see if it is operating correctly.

+1 bahzillion

Perhaps in this order though...

1. Check radiator for debris

2. Check fan clutch operation

3. Flush cooling system

Jvmac88 · July 28, 2009

i did flush that radiator when i put the engine in and the fan clutch is working also re flushed this summer. i have noticed when the air is on the compressor makes a noticeable noise, could that be messed up and putting to much strain on the engine?

txab · July 28, 2009

i did flush that radiator when i put the engine in and the fan clutch is working also re flushed this summer. i have noticed when the air is on the compressor makes a noticeable noise, could that be messed up and putting to much strain on the engine?

Did you put a new fan clutch on when you installed the engine? Fan should roar if the clutch is working properly. Clutches get weak with age and miles. It's easy to overlook this item as being the problem. As noted earlier, is the radiator and condenser free of bugs and debris.When you're running the AC you're putting max heat load on the cooling system.

redvett · July 28, 2009

Did you check the temp with the gauge or with a data scanner. The gauge is just a basic indicator and the scanner will display digital temp. Don't rely on the gauge.