'96 V8 with cooling problems

[All Tuned Up]

Just bought a '96 and it runs the gauge up about 3/4 with the A/C on in 70-80 degree temps, in traffic it get way high. Anybody tell me what to shoot for first? How bad is it to put in a new thermostat? I've rebuilt the front of an old '95 but the '96 is totally different as far as radiator installation, how bad will it be? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Nice forum, hopefully I can get this thing to dance a little!

 

[SHOZ123]

sholando:
The strange things is, when I floor the gas pedal - the temperture guage dives back down to normal.

Water pump problem.

 

[SHODWN]

Check a few things

When was the last time the coolant was flushed? Dont know? Id get that done first.

Then remove your fans, and cycle water through the radiator from back to front to wash out any debris in between the condensor and the radiator.

A thermostat as noted could be doing some of it too.

Also I just ran into the first one that I know of but the tentioner for a water pump belt is starting to seize up.

ANother thing you could do is get the car scanned, the car could be absolutely fine with a gauge that just reads higher than it really is

 

[sholando]

Can one of the SHOforum administrators explain to me WHY my recent post was deleted? If it's because I mentioned a supposed 'SHO' mechanic in the North east saying that the reason my temperature gauge was in the extreme high range was because I lived in Florida (DUH!) even though I have 3 other V8 SHO's that don't exhibit this problem?

I NEVER mentioned this person's name, even though you could search the archives and find out who said such a stupid comment!

Thank-you!
Rob

 

[sholando]

I just picked up my 96 after having the Water Pump pully tensioner replaced. The part cost $33.00, I also replaced the belt for $11.00. I no longer have an overheating issue like I had before. It cost $100.00 for labor, they had to remove the water pump in order to get the single bolt out that holds the tensioner on. You can see the bolt, and loosen the bolt - but you can't remove the bolt, the front cylinder head gets in the way. It seems to me that this part should be replaced when ANY work is done with the water pump. The part is cheap enough to consider it a wear item.

 

[sholando]

I just picked up my 96 after having the Water Pump pully tensioner replaced. The part cost $33.00, I also replaced the belt for $11.00. I no longer have an overheating issue like I had before. It cost $100.00 for labor, they had to remove the water pump in order to get the single bolt out that holds the tensioner on. You can see the bolt, and loosen the bolt - but you can't remove the bolt, the front cylinder head gets in the way. It seems to me that this part should be replaced when ANY work is done with the water pump. The part is cheap enough to consider it a wear item.