Posted by Traveler on September 27, 02 at 10:24:39:
In Reply to: 88 K3500 454 TBI runs hot posted by ralphie on September 27, 02 at 08:55:23:
: Truck runs 220-230 even on 70 degree days. All new
: from grill to exhaust pipe. New "tall radiator" from
: a 95, 11-blade fan from a 97, 160 stat, new engine.
: I am convinced the cooling system is adequate. Is there something in the fuel and/or ignition systems
: that makes these motors run so hot?
First determine you have the correct rotation water pump. Serpentine belt turns opposite way from a V-belt. If I recall the serpentine turns CCW. I bought a pump off a 502 crate motor and had to sell it on ebay because it was CW for a V-belt. Beware, almost all crate pumps are.
The 160 stat is too cold without a chip to go with it like a Hypertech stage 3 (or whatever they call it now). 180 will work with the stock chip. Robertshaw or Stewart. Mine is 44mm so I'm using a NAPA stat with a 3/32 hole drilled in the flange.
Timing must be set correctly (with brown bypass* wire disconnected) to 4 to 6 DBTDC.
Fuel filter changed every 1000 gals.
Dash gauge is not very accurate.
Fan clutch may need replacing. I used a Hayden SD from carparts.com.
Are you getting any codes from the computer?