Posted by Todd Wilson on Friday, April 28, 2006 at 11:28AM :
In Reply to: '79 power wagon overheating posted by michelle on Friday, April 28, 2006 at 1:10AM :
How do we know its overheating? I would not go by the stock factory gauge. Is it boiling over. The truck will run hotter then normal when working hard.
Is it overheating on the highway or lugging around town?
As others have stated you need to have a clutch fan on the truck. A transmission cooler on it if its an automatic.
Make sure the automatic transmission is in good shape. Bands adjusted and proper fluid level. Good clean fluid as well. Also make sure your throttle pressure lever (aka Kickdown lever) is there and adjusted properly. Otherwise your line pressures will be down and cause the transmission to slip creating more heat then normal and will eventually kill the tranny.
On the engine side i would double check the timing. You will want to run premium fuel and have the total advance no more then 38 degree's total. May even run the best 34-36. According to your message a lot has been replaced. Has the radiator cap been replaced? A weak cap can created extra heat in the engine. Is the thermostat the correct temperature t stat? Lots of people put 160 degree thermostats in vehicles thinking they are making it run cooler when in reality it doesnt always work that way and can make engines run hotter as the t stat is always open circulating water not allowing it to cool. Might also check the lower radiator hose and make sure its not pulling itself shut. They used to put springs in them and dont anymore. This is a rare condition but does happen.
Todd
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