so ive gotta a LA 318 and whenever i work it, it wont seem to keep the engine cool ( pulling my camper, truck reving at high RPM's for a couple minutes...) Ive changed the fan clutch and put in a lower temp thermostat but it still doesnt seem to keep it cool. Although under normal driving, even with a bunch of stuff in the box it will run all day at normal temp and not climb up.

What should i try now? I need to pull my camper in july and dont want to risk over heating it......

 

My 90 did that for a year and for whatever reason I replaced the radiator I found the front of the radiator the cooling fins were all eaten away. I was unable to see the front because the A/C system blocked the view. Might check that.

 

The only advise that comes to my mind is have the cooling system flushed and put in a new water pump. It sounds like the antifreeze isn't flowing very well.

 

Ya like said above check your coolant level and the radiator may have a leak that you can not see. Replace it.

 

Dad's truck had the same problem. Did a good coolant flush/clean, and all the problems went away.

 

check in front of radiator and clean out debris

 

How much hotter is it getting when you are working it?

You have an auto? You should install a trans cooler if you do for towing. Not saying it will help with the engine temp, but as an additional precaution.

Also, there is a chance you got a bad thermostat and replaced it with another bad one. That happened to me. I finally started only buying thermostats made in the USA.

 

I agree with this also. The radiator may not be running efficiently for whatever reason, being clogged or deteriorated. Hate to replace a good radiator, but maybe take it out and look at it, look into it from the cap although it will be hard to see too much.

 

hmm, ya i was leaning towards rad problems...not what i want to hear....maybe ill book it for a rad flush

when i work it, it get REAL hot, like overheating hot if im not careful...only in summer though

is there any way to test your water pump? its not leaking anywhere or anything

 

You could try a 160 degree thermostat but good chance it is the radiator. Run it with the cap off and look to see if the coolant is moving. Will need to be warmed up so the thermostat is open. If you see the coolent moving then the pump is working. Pumps don't usually stop functioning they leak when they go bad. If you do need and get a new radiator don't get one with a plastic top and bottom a waste of $$$.