Overheating

[Boom Sounds]

First proper trip out with the wife and kids last weekend. We had a great time and she is a convert. However, we did experience a slightly worrying overheating problem when we were stuck in traffic. The 250 runs like clockwork, 190 degree with 50 PSI almost constantly. When we got stuck in bad traffic the temp guage hit 230, pressure dropped to about 39 PSI and the oil pressure light went on. Luckily, we got moving enough for Cosmo to cool down again. The engine oil had been topped up and coolant filled to the brim. Anyone any ideas on how I should tackle this one?

thanks

[bkahler]

Do you still have the fan clutch installed and if so did it kick in? In case you haven't heard it before it kind of makes the engine sound like a turbine while its engaged. On our 310 as soon as the fan clutch kicks in the temps start dropping fairly rapidly.

Brad

[HowieE]

How old is the truck? If older the radiator may need flushing. Anything over 5 years old and pulling a load I would flush it about ever 3 years.

If you have a clutch fan and you did not hear it come on it may need replacing. Those clutch fan have a very wide range of On Temperatures and you may have one that is on the high end or as noted it may just be bad.

Even with a working clutch fan and clean radiator I would consider installing an electric fan with a thermostat and manual switch. This way if all else fails you can hit the manual switch and cool things down.

As for the low oil pressure 35 PSI should not have set the light. Most low pressure switches won't come on till below 10 PSI. You might want to have the oil pressure switch checked to see if the gauge is correct.

[blkmagikca]

Another suggestion (it happened to me) - check to see that the ventilation to the radiator is not clogged with road grime. Mine was, and the garage used a pressure washer with soap to clean it out.