I have an 85 4x4 with fairly low milage 22r in it. I have a new radiator. Yet in hot weather it over heats when ever im driving slower then 40, I figure when im driving 40 or above its getting really good wind action cooling the radiator extra so the temp drops down to normal, but when i drop down in speed, stop and go or not, it just runs really hot, it will run steady right at the begining of the red. Even if its just left to ideal. the water pump is perfectly fine i know for sure. Im wondering, if mabey my fan is not cooling my radiator enough. About the fan clutch, should the fan free wheel, or should it be stiff? Also was thinking mabey my cooling system just dosnt have enough cubic space for enough water to displace enough heat. Wondering what kind of problems i could be having. Bekuz i know the enging is in good shape its self, I duno i heard something about my water ports in my block having gunk in them, but i have no idea whats going on. the water circulates just fine i know that, the thermostat works. Its appearing to me to be a simple issue of not being able to displace enough heat. But i dont know why it cant do it. anybody got any ideas i would greatly appriciate it. thanks

erik

 

i had a problem like this with my truck, I would check the fan clutch first. It should be kinda stiff, if the truck is running and up to temp. you should give it some gas and with the hood up see if you can fill a difference in air getting blowed around by the fan just by holding your hand up over the fan. i really think it sounds more like your radiator is stopped/corroded up and you'll need to get a new one or just have that one rotted out by a radiator shop. I had to have this done to mune because it had had some stop leak put in it nd caused it to stop up making it like you said unable to displace enough heat. Good luck with your problem.

 

From Haynes:

Overheating:
1) Insufficient coolant in system
2) Drivebelt defective or not adjusted properly
3) Radiator Core blocked or radiator grille dirty and restricted
4) Thermostat faulty
5) Fan not functioning properly
6) Radiator cap not mainttaining proper pressure. Have cap pressure tested by gas station or repair shop.
7) Ignition timing incorrect.
8) Defective water pump
9) Improper grade of engine oil
10) Inaccurate temperature gauge

I'd say check the thermostat and fan clutch first. Do the thermostat first cause it costs 10 bucks and cant hert.

Good Luck,
Alex

 

chances are that its your fan clutch, next time it overheats, rev it up and you should hear the fan, if not go feel both hoses if they are both hot then you know that the thermostat is working, but your fan is not pulling enough air over the radiator to cool the water

 

fan will completly free wheel when the engine is off. I can spin it with my hand like the wheel of wheel a fortune. I think this might be the cause.

thanks for all the info, i appriciate it a bunch

erik