Simple overheating diagnosis

[mrdonut12]

Based on what you've said, I'd replace the engine thermostat
before I did anything else. That's a "baseline" repair to start.
Until you do that, you're just guessing. They're cheap and
they wear out.

George Witt
81 FC 35
Lincoln, Nebraska


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "transit360"
wrote:
> I'm working on an RTS (taking a break from my 2 Bluebirds),
> however my question is general and not specific to just one bus.
> How can I tell if I'm getting proper flow of coolant through
> the radiator? I will be purchasing an infrared non-contact temp gun
> (where is the best place to get them?), but for now, I am collecting
> advice on radiator dynamics.
> I got the old bus to operating temp, but while driving I
> notice she gets little hot. I checked the radiator when I got home
> and on the outside I put my hand on it and was NOT hot to the touch.
> The tanks on either side were super-hot. I shut the bus off and felt
> the inside (towards the engine), and the top of the radiator was
> warm, not hot, and the bottom was hotter. What does this tell me?
> I did find on hot spot on the lower part of the radiator, and
> after looking contributed it to being clogged with oil and dirt. The
> rest of the fins looked good. What's the best way to clean the fins
> in the radiator?
> My fan is working great, coolant is good. Any suggestions on
> diagnosing a worn water pump? Just looking to get this thing running
> as cool as possible. Thanks.
>
> Steve
> '79 GMC RTS and 2 '98 Bluebird QBRE's