Jump to content

  • Sign up for FREE! Become a GM-Trucks.com Member Today!

    In 20 seconds you can become part of the worlds largest and oldest community discussing General Motors, Chevrolet and GMC branded pickups, crossovers, and SUVs. From buying research to owner support, join 1.5 MILLION GM Truck Enthusiasts every month who use GM-Trucks.com as a daily part of their ownership experience. 

Overheating while towing

Cascade Venturer
 Share

Recommended Posts

davester Senior Enthusiast

davester

Posted
Posted

could be a problem with the thermostat, or radiator fins aren't clean, or you've put some bling up front that reduces airflow through the rad, or some of the ducting up front is missing (that directs air to the radiators), or water pump isn't pushing enough water (problem with the impeller in the pump)

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Formulabruce Enthusiast

Formulabruce

Posted
Posted

Flush the cooling system. Remove the T stat housing and really flush it out. If you tow a lot, you can use a 160 T-stat, which works well, and engine still runs in closed loop.

I would also upgrade the stock transmission cooler to one twice the size ( easy with grill off)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Mikebtte Enthusiast

Mikebtte

Posted
Posted

As talked about above, make sure the radiator is clean. If you are towing in areas with high altitude, you need all the air you can get. Confirm the thermostat is fully opening, and check water pump pressure and radiator cap. If the cap is failing you will not maintain a properly cooling system. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cascade Venturer Enthusiast

Cascade Venturer

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the responses. No bling added to my truck, its as stock as can be. It doesn't have and issue with temperature unless towing uphill. I took my grill off about a month ago and cleaned off the radiator and condenser with compressed air... didn't make a difference though. I'm having to pull over sooner and sooner to let it cool off. I've reached in and tried spinning the fan and it seems really tight and barely spins. I will test some of the above mentioned and see if that helps.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
txab Senior Enthusiast

txab

Posted
Posted

You need to check the fan clutch while hot. You tube has several videos. Basically at idle, take a rolled up newspaper and slowly advance it into the fan. It should resist stopping. I've seen clutches seem to perform correctly until this test

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cascade Venturer Enthusiast

Cascade Venturer

Posted
  • Author
Posted
1 hour ago, txab said:

You need to check the fan clutch while hot. You tube has several videos. Basically at idle, take a rolled up newspaper and slowly advance it into the fan. It should resist stopping. I've seen clutches seem to perform correctly until this test

Ok. I will test it out tomorrow. Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cascade Venturer Enthusiast

Cascade Venturer

Posted
  • Author
Posted
On ‎11‎/‎18‎/‎2019 at 7:14 PM, txab said:

You need to check the fan clutch while hot. You tube has several videos. Basically at idle, take a rolled up newspaper and slowly advance it into the fan. It should resist stopping. I've seen clutches seem to perform correctly until this test

I took the truck for a drive and let it heat up to operating temperature. I did the test and had no change in fan speed. The newspaper didn't effect it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 7 months later...
Cascade Venturer Enthusiast

Cascade Venturer

Posted
  • Author
Posted

In the process of replacing radiator, fan clutch, water pump etc. Here is the fan-side of the radiator. Quite a bit of smashed fins. Do you think that is enough to cause my overheating issue? The pics don't really do it justice either.  I'm replacing it anyways, just wanted some reassurance that I'm heading down the right path.

rad 2.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites
swathdiver Senior Enthusiast

swathdiver

Posted
Posted
45 minutes ago, Cascade Venturer said:

In the process of replacing radiator, fan clutch, water pump etc. Here is the fan-side of the radiator. Quite a bit of smashed fins. Do you think that is enough to cause my overheating issue? The pics don't really do it justice either.  I'm replacing it anyways, just wanted some reassurance that I'm heading down the right path.

rad 2.jpg

Sure can.  Probably wore out inside too.  Same with condenser.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 1 year later...
hiking_mike Enthusiast

hiking_mike

Posted
Posted

I took the stack apart last spring> I noticed the air "holes" in the intercooler are larger the the radiator. This causes debris to pass through the intercooler and get caught in front of the radiator.

After cleaning radiator of gunk and dead bugs, I noticed the transmission a lot cooler when towing a 7,000 pound trailer all the way to Key West in early July.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Similar Content

    • 15SilveradoZ71
      2015 Silverado Running Warm
      By 15SilveradoZ71
      Back in May my 2015 Silverado dropped a lifter. I sent it to a shop and had a BTR stage 2 cam installed and since I've gotten it back it has had overheating problems. It had slight overheating problems before but never over 215 F-220 F. Fans do come on with the AC in low and once it starts getting warm they kick on in high. My issue now is its had a new water pump, temp sensor and thermostat put in and it runs 220F to 230F regularly. planning on buying a radiator before long and giving that a shot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 
      truck.heic
    • Dillion Padgett
      Converting Gen 3 LS to Gen 4 Vehicle
      By Dillion Padgett
      I recently bought a (Gen 3) LQ4.
      I'm trying to swap this into an (Gen 4) 07' Silverado which uses 58x Reluctor, 4x Cam Gear, Front Timing Cover/Crank Sensor, and 2 Knock Sensors located in the sides of the block.

      I have a (Gen 4) Truck, So the timing cover/ crank sensor/ knock sensors can be used. I also have a (Gen 4) ECM/Harness.
      I know I need to get 58x Reluctor Gear put on & get a 4x cam gear already

      My questions are as follows:
      1. Can I put a 4x Cam Gear on a (Gen 3 Cam) ? or do I need to get a (Gen 4 Cam) for the (Gen 4 Cam Gear) to work ?
      2. Can I use the (Gen 4 Knock sensors) on the side of the (Gen 3 LQ4) ? Just drill/tap & mount them ?
      3. If I keep the (Gen 4 Fuel Setup) could I just install that on the (Gen 3 LQ4) ?

      Any help or advice will be appreciated.
      I'll be documenting everything so others will have better knowledge when putting a Gen 3 Block into a Gen 4 Vehicle. 
      Thanks guys !
       
    • SlowerTrafficKeepRIght
      Tips | Suggestions | Advice - Looking at buying a Chevy/GMC truck. What should I watch out for the GOOD and BAD?
      By SlowerTrafficKeepRIght
      What suggestions or advice is available for buying a GMC | Chevy truck? What should I watch out for -- the GOOD and BAD? 
       
      I want to come back to the GMC | Chevy family. For over 20 years, we owned a 98 GMC Suburban, putting over 230k miles on it myself, and I LOVED that truck. Other than typical wear and tear -- I never had any problems or issues with my Suburban.
       
      I am looking at 2016-2022 -- GMC | Chevy 1500 | 2500 series, all trims (4x4), except the base models. My budget is around $35k plus'ish; yes, I understand my budget limits what I can get. I am a USAF retired veteran living off a fixed income.
       
      Yes, we tow hitch pull RVs and various trailers, but not as often as before. What are the GOOD, BAD, and UGLY these days on the GMC | Chevy trucks? Is the additional price for either diesel and/or 2500 worth it?
       
      SHORT STORY: so, a few years ago, I bought a 2015 Ram 1500 4x4 EcoDiesel 6cyl w/turbo Lonestar -- well, I have been disappointed with Chrysler | Fiat (FCA). They lied about the EcoDiesel, and after forced recall ECM updates, they sucked all performance and mpg from the truck. Buying a newish GMC | Chevy, I do not want to fall into what happened with my 2015 Ram. When I had my suburban, I never had so many recalls, been lied to, and never had poor performance.
       
      Thanks for any suggestions that you will provide -- Gary (ExFalconFxr)
       
    • Jonathan Peters
      Need help with Tire/Rim size
      By Jonathan Peters
      Picked up a 1996 2500 2wd silverado. Currently has LT245 75 R16s
       
      I have a set of LT265/70R18 on rims from a 2015 silverado 2500.
       
      Is there a website or someplace i can see if these will fit my pickup?
       
      I appreciate all the help you all can give.


    • smitty481
      New to towing with my 3.0 Duramax
      By smitty481
      Hello,
       I am new to towing with my 2020 Silverado. She is outfitted with the 3.0 Duramax. We just purchased a 2018 Travel Trailer (5700 lbs). I have towed with my past trucks but none of them had the settings (trailer mode, + - on the gear selector) or the ability to have a camera system that essentially gives you a view behind the trailer you are towing. 
       Any chance anyone can share some pointers/wisdom on the best way to tow, what to do, look out for and even using the camera system (which I have yet to purchase)? Any help/input would be greatly appreciated.
       
      Thanks, Dennis

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    242.1k
    Total Topics
    1.4m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    309,759
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    Markjhon
    Newest Member
    Markjhon
    Joined


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.

  I accept