1986 GMC K3500 colling problem

Discussion in '1973-1987' started by gas68, Mar 14, 2006.

  1. gas68

    gas68 Member

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    Mar 13, 2006
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    I have a K3500 with the 454 and AC. With my plow on the truck overheats and I attribute that to driving with the plow up. With the plow off the truck however, it still seems to run hot, not overheating like with the plow on the truck, but about 190-210 degrees. If it idles too long the temp will rise and it will overheat, or get close to it. I read in a few places that this truck with this engine and AC has an additional fan controlled by a thermostat to supplement the main fan at low speeds and idle with the AC on. I don't see this on mine

    I replaced the themostat with the stock 190deg type. Overall it just seems to run too hot. Should it be running at steady state temp of 190-210 deg with a 190 deg thermostat? I have plenty of coolant (50-50 mix)and fromm what I can see the radiator seems ok internally...no major corrosion. Any ideas?
     
  2. towman1970

    towman1970 Member

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    Location:
    marquette united states
    i have a 1982 3500 with a 454 no extra fan on mine and mine runs between 190 and 200 degrees but does not overheat. the guy i bought it from used it to haul a 5th wheel trailer for the carnival he didnt have any problems with it overheating at all. it may be plugged or restricted cooling system. this truck also had a/c on it but i had taken it of since i live in upper peninsula of michigan on lake superior no need for it here lol. depending how long you owned the truck and not sure whats on it, maybe try getting the radiator flushed and making sure its the right radiator. good luck

    1982 chevy 1-ton dually 454
     
  3. gas68

    gas68 Member

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    Thanks Towman. Is there anyway to test if the fan clutch is working properly? I was thinking that may be the problem, but the fan seems to spinning ok. Although I don't know if it at the correct RPM's
     
  4. towman1970

    towman1970 Member

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    Jun 21, 2003
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    Location:
    marquette united states
    [updated:LAST EDITED ON Mar-16-06 AT 10:27 PM (CST)]im not sure on fan clutch testing never done it myself im sure your local parts store or chevy dealer may be able to tell you how or if it can be done good luck
     

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