69 Camaro RS/SS 350 / 4spd
Car is running very "hot", will quickly go to about 220 degrees and eventually (after about an hour, will top out at about 240 and die with the Temp gauge indicator on.
I will be replacing the thermastat this evening (if time allows, after work). The fan and coolant appears to be OK but, here's a dumb question from a non-mechanic: How can I test the Water pump? How would I know if it is functioning properly?

Any other thoughts welcomed.

Thanks!

Touch heater hoses, if hot, water pump working.

From cold engine, start and feel bottom radiator hose, if and when thermostat opens, feeling of top hose and it's HOT!, should feel temperature change of bottom hose, water pump working.

Could have a clogged radiator also, a collapsed bottom radiator hose, as in spring left out or not installed last time hose was changed, loose belt, leaky head gasket(s), these are some of suggestions, others here may have some more thoughts

Everett 68/350/PG/11.90/115mph

You can use an infrared thermometer (such as the Raytek MiniTemp) to determine if the thermostat is working. Start the engine & point the thermometer at the return hose. When the temperature of the water in the engine reaches around 200 (or whatever the thermostat is rated at), if there is a sudden increase in temperature then the thermostat is working.

Once you know the thermostat is working, then you can take the cap off the radiator (while the engine is somewhat cool---no pressure). Start the engine and let it warm up, once the thermostat opens, you should see the water flowing through the radiator (turmoil, instead of calm).

Newer radiator hoses no longer have a spring in them. Supposedly the rubber is strong enough now that they don't put them in anymore.

Also, do you have a fan shroud installed, somewhat tight to the radiator? Makes at LEAST 10 degrees difference (test I did on my 1968 327).

You can take the radiator out and take it to a radiator specialty shop and have them pressure & flow check it.

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David
Camaro - '68 327 Coupe, '86 Z-28 IROC 305 TPI
Corvette - '73 Mako Shark II replica (http://makoshark2.com/djunod/), '79 L-82, '82 Cross-fire, '01 Coupe


[This message has been edited by djunod (edited 08-21-2001).]

Thanks for the info. I will try these things out. Also, I just picked up a new 180 deg thermastat... just have not had time to work on it. I'll try again tonight or tomorrow after work.

Thanks again!!

You could have overheating problems from running the carburetor too lean or the timing too far advanced. Try checking your timing and carb settings. Good Luck!!!

I think I've got it fixed. I replaced the thermastat last night and afterward let it run idle for about a half hour. It peaked at 190 degrees (put in a 180 degree thermastat). I cheked the hose temps and it did what you guys said it would do (so the water pump is fine)

The true test will be taken it out this weekend but, I think it's fixed. I just bought this car on Ebay so, I've had a tendancy to "freak" at the least little problem (thinking it's something major). But so far, I've only had 2 minor problems that ya'll have helped immensly.

Thanks so much, again!! http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif

Joe C.

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