Getting hot after 5 years down

[tford]

The car was sitting for 5 years and never went above 170 when it was on the road. Now it creeps up to over 210 in heavy traffic. Thinking sticking thermostat. It has been in the car for 15 years but wanted to hear everyone's thoughts before I replace it.

 

[BEATAV8]

Corrosion inside the radiator

 

[GNVYUS 1]

Factory radiator?

Time to consider an F Body rad, or wait until you see factory recore rad prices, and then swap the 160 thermo and the next 10+ years you'll be good.

 

[tford]

Already have an upgrade on the radiator and 160 thermostat.

 

[GNVYUS 1]

For thread search value, what radiator did you just get?

When you install it update us on how it's doing.

 

[tford]

Please read sig for mods. Installed about 2 years before it went into hibernation. Never went above 170 no matter what.

 

[GNVYUS 1]

So what's the outcome, still running hot, if resolved what was the cure?

 

[GNICETRY]

Is your fan(s) kicking on?
Get one of those infrared thermometers and check top and bottom of radiator.
Put some RMI 25 in there and then flush the system.
Lastly replace thermostat.
That's what I would do.

 

[TurboTGuy]

If there's a weak spot in your cooling system, RMI WILL find it.

 

[tford]

Still running hot but only when in traffic. I haven't heard the fans run in years which leads me to think there are other issues causing it to overheat. Not saying fans that don't come on aren't a problem though. Any tricks to testing them? Guessing it's the relay but I suck at diagnosing electrical stuff. So how will RMI help find the problem? BTW, thank you for the replies. Been MIA from this forum for many years surviving a divorce but that's all in the rear view....like a pony car.

 

[GNICETRY]

Fan (OEM) of fans (aftermarket)? For high speed operation put your AC on, that should kick hi speed on. There is an easy way to check low speed, I don't know it.

What RMI-25 does is basically clean out the crap in your system. It does have to cycle for a little though. Here is the link:

RMI-25 Protects Your Engine

RMI-25 is a low-cost, effective safeguard against cooling system failure. It cleans while you drive; inhibits rust, cavitation erosion, electrolysis and pitting; lubricates water pump seals and thermostats; and improves cooling.

www.rmi25.com

 

[tford]

Stock, untouched fan. Always considered going the aftermarket, dual fan route but the radiator upgrade years ago kept my temps below 170.

 

[GNVYUS 1]

If you know what the chip fan temp turn on is, just sit and wait with the hood open, otherwise if you get to say 205 assume they're not turning on.