Help! running hot,hot hot

[toni]

;help hi everyone,
i'm new here and in need of some help.i live out in arizona and its hot city here,i have a 79 that sat around for about a year and a half got it on ebay this past april and having work done
my problem its running hot hot hot over 220 just got the air fix and it got worse around 240 the radiator is fine the clucth is fine stat turned out ok so whats the deal help
toni

 

[jeffn]

The thermostat is probably stuck.If it sat for over a year like you said,its frozen, so that is the most logical place to start......The cheapest too , lucky for you.

 

[vetdaddy]

I agree, start with the thermostat. Personally, I would remove it to see if resolves the problem (or just replace it since it is not an expensive part).

If the radiator is good, make sure the fan shroud is original, intact and most importantly properly sealed around the radiator (look for schematics from parts vendors such as Ecklers or Zip Corvette for the proper seals).

Next, check for tightness in belts attached to the water pump pulley. Also, make sure the actual fan has not been replaced with an improper part. You may need to refer to a restoration manual to identify the original fan blade configuration.

Check the port at the bottom of the water pump for leakage that may indicate improper function.

Finally, check the ratio of radiator fluid- too much radiator fluid will reduce cooling ability. (pure water actually cools better then a water to ethylene glycol mixture).

If all else fails, try an additive such as water wetter to your radiator fluid mix....hit or miss but sometimes helps.

Keep in mind that any mismatched part from the original OEM design can be detrimental to performance.

BTW- I'm no expert but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night!!!!

 

[black_81_vette]

Put the stat in a pan of water on the stove and see what temp its full open at use a meat thermoter too check temp.Is the fan clutch a thermostatic type or one of those cheap ones that disingage at higher engine speeds? also check between the radiator and condensor for built up debries,youll be suprised at how much trash gets in there.also its important that the foam on and around the core support is there as this allows air to be dirrected to the radiator correctly. Another question is does it heat up while sitting or while moving? Ive seen lower hoses suck shut at highway RPMS. Hope some of this helps.

 

[howard blackburn]

When engine is cold remove radiator cap. start engine and check for air bubbles coming up in filler neck. you may just have an air lock in the cooling system. worst case would be blown head gasket. a system presure check will conferm this. 240 is well iffy.

 

[gmjunkie]

Put the stat in a pan of water on the stove and see what temp its full open at use a meat thermoter too check temp.Is the fan clutch a thermostatic type or one of those cheap ones that disingage at higher engine speeds? also check between the radiator and condensor for built up debries,youll be suprised at how much trash gets in there.also its important that the foam on and around the core support is there as this allows air to be dirrected to the radiator correctly. Another question is does it heat up while sitting or while moving? Ive seen lower hoses suck shut at highway RPMS. Hope some of this helps.

Also,Check the timing,Someone may have it Jacked up trying to get a little more Whoopy out of it!!
How dose it turn over when trying to start Hot??:confused

 

[73shark]

Also make sure that the plastic spoiler lip is intact as the Shark is a bottom breather and needs it to force air up under the valence and thru the condensor and radiator.

gmjunkie: I thought retarded spark made an engine run hotter.