Barry -
You are on the right track so far, with the IR gun and all. May I offer another couple of suggestions:
1) Hold a red shop rag in FRONT of the radiator with it running. If the shroud is fitting correctly and the fan is spaced correctly, there should be a gentle pull of the rag towards the radiator. I, too, suspect the fan clutch.
will try it
2) Didn't catch what temperature thermostat you are using. I use a 180 degree "high flow". Can get them from Summit Racing and sometimes AutoZone has the good Robert Shaw ones.
should be a 180*. box doesn't say nor on the unit but that what I told them i wanted. Autozone sold it to me - they didn't have the Robert shaw - I asked for that first
3) Suggest 50/50 blend of anti-freeze and 1-2 bottles of Red Line Water Wetter. Some folks have said it doesn't work, but I'm tellin' ya-it works on mine.
4) Not sure if someone replied (I breezed through the posts), but you can run a garden hose and spray through the radiator. Use caution-don't bend the fins. Recommend spraying backwards-rear to front.
will try that tomorrow. Radiator is only approx 1500-2000 miles old though......
5) While your there-take a look at the fins. Are there any bent/twisted that are blocking airflow? A dental pick and/or small jeweler's type screwdriver will help. Use a flashlight and cardboard, turn out the garage lights and you'll really be able to tell.
6) Check the radiator cap. If there is a crack in the sealing area (lift up the rubber washer, if applicable)-the system is not developing adequate pressure. Check the pressure rating stamped on the cap itself. I'm thinking it should be 13-15 lbs.
just went out to check it after reading this - says AC and 13#. rubber looks good. Motor is still somewhat warm after a few hours sitting but i did hear a faint hissing noise like pressure leaking out before i removed it than when i turned it it gave a "POP" sound alomost like opening a new sealed jar. ?????
7) Check for a vacuum leak. Take off the air cleaner, start car, place hand over carb opening to somewhat "choke" it. If the idle speed picks up-you have a leak. Spray WD-40 around your carb base, intake manifold, etc. to locate.
Larry also suggersted this and i picked up a can of starter fluid to do it - haven't done it yet though - plan on it tomorrow
I also agree with the other post about checking that lower hose. Good luck to you.
will do
Rick
) and I won't be at Carlisle but I will be taking some help from Paul (subfixer) in the future - see how we all make deposits and withdrawals? So buy Paul some cool ones for me.
