My 87 NA is heating up on the highway (70-80) and at higher RPMs. Around town, the stock gauge indicates a 1/4. On the highway, it will run about 1/2 and increase beyond a 1/2 with the A/C on. The temp jumps above 1/2 when the RPMs jump up (6-7K when passing, etc). The temp drops back at a 1/4 when I shift to neutral (at off-ramps, stop signs, etc).

The stock gauge isn't perfect, but it does indicate I should address the issue before it causes a problem. So far, I've replaced the OEM t-stat (with OEM), the radiator cap, the hoses, the temperature sender, the belts and flushed the system. I’m also running the undercar wind deflector, the deflectors in front the radiator and the fan shroud. I also added some water wetter and had the radiator professionally cleaned. (I’m not sure the cleaning consisted of more than a pressure wash.)

Before I pull the radiator to have it roded and/or cored and replace the water pump, should I try something else? I plan replace the foam or otherwise better seal the radiator to duct more air through it when I reinstall the radiator. Am I missing anything?

Thanks.

 

i would reccomend if you have hot weather, instead of getting your radiator roded/cored, just get a high performace aluminum...

 

Use 30% collant mix with 70% de-ionized water. What about when you turn on the heater? Does it cool down drasticly?

 

I'm running a 60% water/40% coolant mix. I've never thought to turn on the heater. I'll check to see if that makes it cool down.

Any specific suggestions for a new radiator?

 

it also does this with mine.

 

Completly normal as long as your temps are not excediing to far beyond 200*F. The harder your engine works, the higher the temps will be.

I run 50/50 mix. Not the best but does alright. I have heard Koyo or Fluidyne work real nice.

 

So should I even worry about this? Running the car hot seems like a bad idea, but is this is normal, I'll let it go.

 

Thanks. I ordered a new radiator (OEM Replacement) today. Considering the cost of overheating, it's cheap insurance.

Replacing the water pump looks like a pain so I might see how the radiator does before undertaking that project.