New member - first post.

2003 LS Blazer, 4.3L - overeheating problem. Radiator has been removed and professionally cleaned, has new hoses, new radiator cap, new 195 thermostat, and new water pump. Drove approx 12 miles today and temp gauge went up past 210 mark and very near 220. 80,900 miles. What else is there? Thanks.

 

220 is not hot.

 

Thanks for response. I have been told that 220 is not hot, but prior to all the work that I did, the heat gauge was normally around 190. Also, since my initial post, I checked coolant level in radiator, and had to add about 1 pint of coolant. I saw no evidence of leak.

 

Were the 12 miles city or highway? What was the ambient temperature? Does the AC cool sufficiently? Was the AC on? Is the transmission shifting properly? Do the brakes drag? Does the engine misfire? Is the service engine soon light on? All of these things can or will affect engine temperature. Under normal conditions, if everything is working properly, a 195F stat should regulate coolant temp at ~198F + or - 4 or 5 degrees, on a scan tool, (don't rely on the dash gage). Make sure: the fan shroud is in place and not damaged, the oil filter door is closed, there is no debris in front of the condenser or between the condenser and radiator, no damaged or bent fins on the radiator or condenser, the cooling system if full, (no air pockets), the fan clutch works properly, coolant passages in the block and cylinder heads are clear, (no sludge build up), cooling fan is not damaged and it is installed correctly to the fan clutch, (yes, it can be installed backwards). Check this stuff and post your results.

 

Can you hear the "roar" of you fan on the first startup and after the blazer gets hot? I've been reading quite a bit of posts on overhearting and a very common problem is the fan clutch. I just replaced mine last week with a severe duty one.

 

Thinking it could be the fan clutch, I purchased a new one this AM and installed a couple of hours ago. Road tested, ambient temp 104, 65mph, cruise on, a/c on max, for approx 6 miles, then another 10 miles at 40mph stop and go. Heat gauge hovered just under 210, lower than 220 before new fan clutch, but still higher than 190 or so prior to all the new stuff.
Maybe I should be happy with it as is?


Eccl 3:4, 13

 

Under the conditions you tested with, 104 degrees, 65mph, etc, I'd say you have it fixed. Were those temps on the dash gage, or with a scan tool?

Eccl 3:4 yup lyrics from a 1960's "Byrds" song.

 

Thanks Captain Hook, and others. Temp reading was from dash gage.

Ambient temp now near 80 degrees. Have a 25 mile higway speed errand to take care of - so that means further testing.

Have a great day!


Eccl 12:13