engine overheating

[Curly Mo]

I have a 1989 ls that keeps running hot. My temp gauge seems to work fine and as per the manual my upper radiator hose is hot, so I believe that my thermostat is working fine. I just had the water pump and belts replaced three weeks ago. The only other things that I see in the troubleshooting section are the radiator and ignition timing. I just removed the radiator yesterday and while I definitely had some rusty fluid coming out, it didn't seem as if it was overly constricted. Nevertheless I am about to replace it. Is the ignition timing issue a real concern if changing the radiator doesn't work. Any other suggestions? HELP!!!

 

[g3teg97]

What does the temp gauge do when you turn on the car?

Have you flushed the rad?

 

[Kuchtaboy]

x2.

give her some new fluid and see what happens... I don't think you should really have rusty fluid in there.

 

[8675309yine]

I have a 1989 ls that keeps running hot. My temp gauge seems to work fine and as per the manual my upper radiator hose is hot, so I believe that my thermostat is working fine. I just had the water pump and belts replaced three weeks ago. The only other things that I see in the troubleshooting section are the radiator and ignition timing. I just removed the radiator yesterday and while I definitely had some rusty fluid coming out, it didn't seem as if it was overly constricted. Nevertheless I am about to replace it. Is the ignition timing issue a real concern if changing the radiator doesn't work. Any other suggestions? HELP!!!

This sounds silly I know, but I had the same issue in my 87, and it turns out it was a clogged Fuel filter and Injectors? I am not sure how the two are linked, but I cleaned the screens and replaced the fuel filter (based on a recommendation from my buddy who was a Honda Tech) and problem fixed. Its probably a good idea to change the "rusty" fluids also.
Good Luck
"86"

 

[jotcrx]

First, I would throughly flush the engine. Second, you can get a new readiator for the car from Advance Auto parts for aunder $150.00. Also, make sure to check the timing of the engine and see if everything is running properly. I used to have a cooling problem with mine, but after tuning the engine and and flushing the engine coolant, the problems went away. At one time, I used Slick 50 oil treatment in the car when I first got it (12 years ago) and since then, I use a synthetic blend oil (Castrol 20W/50 Syntec). The car actually runs cooler than most stock engines now with 245,000 miles on the odometer and with all of my performance add-ons (MSD SCI ignition, DC Sports headers, 264cc injectors, hi-volume racing fuel pump, CAI system). It did overheat once about 3 years ago, but that was due to a bad water pump (they should ALWAYS be changed with the timing belt.