Radiator temp in/out and temp gauge readings

[transit360]

Tom and George,

OK, sorry guys. I forgot to mention I also shot a temp reading on
the hose going in and out of the water pump, both at around 200
degrees also.
To be honest with you, I'm not sure where my thermostat is. I'm
assuming it's in a usual spot near the water pump, but I've never
worked on the 8.3 Cummins before, and I've been trying to find a
manual for a month. But it should be a no-brainer.
So I'm gathering that we're suspecting improper coolant flow,
which could be caused by a stuck thermostat or possibly a weak water
pump? I'm assuming when I locate the thermostat that I should be
able to shoot it at operating temp and the temp should be the same
on both sides, otherwise a temp difference would indicate it's
closed, yes? Sounds feasible.
However, this is pretty much how this bus has always run,
around 200 degrees on the highway. Wouldn't it overheat if the
thermostat stayed closed? Could it be partially open or closed? That
would restrict flow but maybe not enough to totally overheat the
engine?

Thanks,
Steve
2 '98 Bluebird QBRE Partybuses

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner
wrote:
> George what he established is that the radiator is not exhanging
heat.
> There should be only about a 10-15 degree difference between the
temp at
> the top and bottom. If not the coolant is not flowing more then
likely
> because the thermostat is not open.
>
> tom
> 1982 FC35
> Vernon Center,Ny
>
> At 02:15 AM 7/20/2005 +0000, you wrote:
> >Steve,
> > You've established that the radiator, at the current flow
> >rate, is capable of exchanging heat.
> > What you haven't established is if there's any water flow.
> >With that deep a drop in temperature, does that tell you that
maybe
> >the coolant is flowing too slowly?
> > Use your Raytek infrared temp gun to tell you if the
thermostat
> >is working properly.
> >
> > George Witt
> > 81 FC 35
> > Lincoln, Nebraska
> >
> >
> >--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "transit360"
> > wrote:
> > > I just got my new Raytek infrared temp gun and was getting
some
> > > shots on my 8.3 Cummins pusher in my '98 QBRE Partybus. I shot
the
> > > top of the radiator and it read 200 degrees, which is what my
bus
> > > temp gauge said. I shot the lower radiator hose and it read 130
> > > degrees.
> > > I made sure to test location and reposition my gun several
> > > times, and this is what I got. Should there be such a drastic
change
> > > in temp through the radiator? I was expecting about 15-20
degrees
> > > difference. Could this indicate any problems?
> > >
> > > Second question: My temp gauge on the dash has green (safe)
> > > markings up to 220 degrees. Past 220, it reads in the red. My
bird
> > > typically runs at 200 degrees while riding. Is this normal?
Seems a
> > > little on the warm side but this is my first Cummins as I have
dealt
> > > primarily with 8.2 and 6V71 Detroits in the past. My other
Bluebird
> > > partybus (same exact bus) runs at about 190, although I haven't
> > > confirmed it with the temp gun like the first.
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Steve
> > > 2 '98 Bluebird QBRE Partybuses
> >
> >
> >
> >
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