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Mike_J
Senior Member
Posts: 617
Loc: St. Albans, WV
Reg: 08-13-01
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05-04-12 07:18 PM - Post#2222548
My '94 350 heats up a little more than I'd like it to when pulling the camper in the summer. I've got the wide radiator and the cores are full thickness...it's a monster, and it's new.
I recall years ago I built a .060 over 350 that ran hot unless I used an aftermarket high flow thermostat. It also had a new oversized radiator. The problem I recall with that motor was that with the high flow T-stat it wouldnt get warm enough. That didnt seem like a big deal since it was a carbed engine, but I figure it might make a bigger difference on my 94 TBI motor.
Any one have any expirence with these and could recommend one that would keep a normal operating temp but let more flow through when the temp starts to rise?
Thanks,
Mike
1994 K1500 ECSB 350 Auto
1984 K10 LWB 350 4-speed |
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 someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23375
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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05-05-12 06:41 AM - Post#2222644
In response to Mike_J
Hey Mike,
Have you confirmed the actual temperature it's running and what is it? Don't trust that dash gauge.
If it's only getting hot while pulling the camper, do you have an auxiliary transmission cooler (and better yet, a transmission temperature gauge)? The trans might be running hot from the towing, and transferring that heat to your cooling system.
Richard
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Allan In NE
Contributor
Posts: 897
Reg: 12-27-11
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05-05-12 07:29 AM - Post#2222660
In response to Mike_J
Just my opinion here so don't go throwin' rocks at me. 
And, I don't know how big your camper is, but that little truck was never, ever intended to tow. Especially so with that little 350 engine.
Just my view and stated as such. 
Allan
| Lifelong GM automatic transmission specialist |
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Mike_J
Senior Member
Posts: 617
Loc: St. Albans, WV
Reg: 08-13-01
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05-05-12 10:19 AM - Post#2222723
In response to Allan In NE
Both very good points.
Richard: I just put the adapter in the trans pan and have the gauge ready to go in to keep an eye on the tranny. I do not have a tranny cooler (and know I should), but I do have a factory oil cooler. I'm sure some of that heat is coming from the tranny as I'm in 2nd gear and the converter is unlocked when the gauge starts to rise. I remember on my 95 pickup which I had the tranny gauge - any time the converter unlocked for any length of time, even when unloaded, the temp rose a few degrees. I do not trust the factory gauge. However, by the gauge the truck runs too cold, when it heats up it's 210*+...which I fear is way hotter given the normally low temp readings.
Let me clarify this a bit: The truck only starts heating up on steep grades, which in itself is normal I suppose, but it does seem to significantly heat up to the point I'd be hesitant to try to hit them on good hot days.
Which brings me to Allan's comment:
I'll throw a rock back with no intention of actually hitting you, just for the purpose of defending the honor of my truck 
I generally agree with you: my truck wasnt built to tow, but it does just fine for us weekend warriors. I have this discussion frequently with my friends who show up at the same lake, towing similar weighted trailers with $50,000+ diesels.
That said, neither was the 5.3L powered silverado I had before this one. The 5.3 had to work a lot harder (usually at least a gear lower and screaming RPM's) than the "little" 5.7 does going through these WV mountains, but didnt get hot. Those ridiculously high RPM's the 5.3 would turn were probably the reason it didnt get hot...the water pump was moving more coolant through the system. Given the 5.7 doesnt like to spin quickly, I'm trying to get more coolant through the system by reducing restrictions.
1994 K1500 ECSB 350 Auto
1984 K10 LWB 350 4-speed |
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 navygunner08
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 611
Loc: New London, CT
Reg: 02-13-11
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05-05-12 11:32 AM - Post#2222759
In response to Mike_J
You could put a higher flowing water pump on to pump more water through the block.
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someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23375
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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05-05-12 03:33 PM - Post#2222847
In response to navygunner08
My absolute priority at this point given the circumstances would be to get the transmission temperature gauge installed and functional, and get a large cooler installed.
Richard
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drtyler (4)
