Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - over-heating

i've got a 89 RS with the 305tbi. it has a newer radiator, new 160 t-stat and edlebrock alum. water pump. i drained the system completely and put all new in and the redline water wetter stuff. it takes a long time to get to 200*, but then goes up to 240*
can you one help me or give me pointers. i know the guage is right. i even hooked up my mechanical temp guage from my race car.
help please b/c i scratch my head bold...
thanks
-charlie

Could be the fan, on my 84 it doesn't come on until the engine gets fairly hot so I always get nervous for a bit when I'm in traffic.

Could be the fan, on my 84 it doesn't come on until the engine gets fairly hot so I always get nervous for a bit when I'm in traffic.

thanks guy! i was going to buy one of those fan control switches.

i've got a 89 RS with the 305tbi. it has a newer radiator, new 160 t-stat and edlebrock alum. water pump. i drained the system completely and put all new in and the redline water wetter stuff....

Sounds like you have air pockets. Take the radiator cap off, start the engine, and let it idle for a few minutes, allowing the air to escape. Very very common, especially when all the fluid has been drained and replaced.... ;)

i've got a 89 RS with the 305tbi. it has a newer radiator, new 160 t-stat and edlebrock alum. water pump. i drained the system completely and put all new in and the redline water wetter stuff. it takes a long time to get to 200*, but then goes up to 240*
can you one help me or give me pointers. i know the guage is right. i even hooked up my mechanical temp guage from my race car.
help please b/c i scratch my head bold...
thanks
-charlie
When does it overheat? At idle or when driving? If it overheats when you are driving, make sure the air deflector that hangs down under the radiator is still there. If you hit too many curbs and rip that bad boy off, it will overheat when you are driving, but not when sitting still. If it overheats sitting still, turn your A/C on and look/listen to see if the fans are on. The fans are comanded on no matter what when you turn on the A/C. If the fans aren't working then you know where to start digging.

I had this problem in a SBC 350 after I replaced the entire cooling system. Turned out the new thermostat wasn't opening (brand new mr. gasket crap).

Sounds like you have air pockets. Take the radiator cap off, start the engine, and let it idle for a few minutes, allowing the air to escape. Very very common, especially when all the fluid has been drained and replaced.... ;)

come to think about it... that might be my problem... thanks for the info

When does it overheat? At idle or when driving? If it overheats when you are driving, make sure the air deflector that hangs down under the radiator is still there. If you hit too many curbs and rip that bad boy off, it will overheat when you are driving, but not when sitting still. If it overheats sitting still, turn your A/C on and look/listen to see if the fans are on. The fans are comanded on no matter what when you turn on the A/C. If the fans aren't working then you know where to start digging.

thanks, but i know the fan comes on. i here it winding down after i turn the car off, the a/c is inop right now so i don't know if it'll work. thanks for the info...