Overheating, no temp gauge

[Brownie Mobile]

So i've been having troubles with my temp gauge it wont read since my dad helped me replace the thermostat ( my dad did it ) Anyways So my temp gauge doesn't work anymore and i can tell my engines getting really hot. Smells hot, feels hot, sounds hot, (tastes hot jk) It wasn't a new thermostat but we were doing the water pump so it had to come off. So a couple of questions are my thermostat and temperature gauge related? If the temp gauge was reading badly would that affect how my engine wants to cool itself or does that lie solely with something else? thanks.

 

[Twister]

So i've been having troubles with my temp gauge it wont read since my dad helped me replace the thermostat ( my dad did it ) Anyways So my temp gauge doesn't work anymore and i can tell my engines getting really hot. Smells hot, feels hot, sounds hot, (tastes hot jk) It wasn't a new thermostat but we were doing the water pump so it had to come off. So a couple of questions are my thermostat and temperature gauge related? If the temp gauge was reading badly would that affect how my engine wants to cool itself or does that lie solely with something else? thanks.

It might have gotten unplugged, it is a single wire that pushes on to the thermostat sender located on the top front of the lower intake. I suggest you buy an aftermarket mechanical temp gauge, the factory ones are less than favorable and the aftermarket ones allows you keep a good eye on the engine.

 

[robertc1024]

+1 on that. Power wash your radiator. They can get totally clogged externally. They can also get clogged internally if you're not running antifreeze and distilled water through them. If you've got hard water in your area, I'd be worried about the latter.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

+1 on that. Power wash your radiator. They can get totally clogged externally. They can also get clogged internally if you're not running antifreeze and distilled water through them. If you've got hard water in your area, I'd be worried about the latter.

Be careful that you hit it straight so you don't fold the fins shut.

 

[Brownie Mobile]

Well i didnt power wash it but i degreased it with a nice sponge that got down in the fins nicely, its cleans externally. I have a flushing system hooked up and its nicely flushed still have the problem; gets really hot.

 

[5speedin2.3]

Something similar happened to my moms 92.
My uncle put a thermostat in it and used blue rtv silicone, he used wayy too much and it caused the thermostat to get stuck closed. The temperature gauge wasn't reading properly and she could hear the coolant boiling in the engine.

I always use the proper gaskets and boil the thermostat first to make sure it is working properly.

 

[doorgunner]

Put a new under-the-dash-temp-gauge in FIRST! Then remove the radiator cap....start the engine.....turn the cab heater on HOT....be CAREFUL adding coolant...it could take 20 minutes to get all the air bubbles out of the coolant system and heater system..keep adding coolant as the level drops in the radiator....

BE CAREFUL IF THE RADIATOR "BELCHES" HOT COOLANT OUT!!!!!

if the above doesnt work...make sure the belts aren't backwards....and put in a new thermostat......then re-fill with coolant mixture.

keep us updated..........AND BE CAREFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!