So my 360 runs hot, but I'm not sure how hot. My engine temperature gauge doesn't work, and according to the previous owner; never has. After running for about 3-5 minutes on idle, the radiator is hot enough to where you can't even touch it. I'm no expert, but I don't suspect this should be happening. Therefore, I've decided to replace some major parts in the cooling system once I sell my Chevrolet. Intended to fix the problem, but if that doesn't fix it, it will be good peace of mind.

Here are the parts I'm planning on Replacing, and links to the actual parts that I am buying.

• Temperature Sensor - https://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...BWD0/WT386.oap
• Fail Safe Thermostat - https://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...T0/7200180.oap
• Radiator Cap - https://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MCT0/7013.oap
• Radiator Hose (Upper) - Master Pro Belt/Hose 20046 - Molded Coolant Hose | O'Reilly Auto Parts
• Radiator Hose (Lower) - Master Pro Belt/Hose 21047 - Molded Coolant Hose | O'Reilly Auto Parts
• Water Pump - More Information for GATES 44004
• Clutch Fan (Thermal) - More Information for FOUR SEASONS 36954

On top of that, I'm going to flush out the Radiator with some Cascade (I read on one of the threads here that it works really well to clean them out).

I need some advice on the parts I'm buying. I'll probably end up replacing all of these parts eventually. The ones on there are probably the original ones. If not, like I said, good peace of mind knowing I won't have to replace them for awhile. Am I overkilling it? are there some other parts that you would recommend instead (I'd prefer Heavy/Severe Duty parts)?

Is there anything about these cooling systems that I should keep an eye out for? Weak spots I should pay particular attention to?

Thanks!

 

I'd be looking for a temp gauge in case it's shot. The sender may be ok. Also check the wire for the sending unit. It may be damaged somewhere. Also if you want to do the 3G alternator upgrade, many people are using Mark VIII electric fans. There's info here in the forums about both.

 

I was looking at the engine today for the location of the Temperature Sensor. According to the parts on Oreilly's website and random Forum Threads I've read around here, it should be in the Thermostat Housing. I looked there, and this is what I have...



I didn't see a Temperature Gauge, which not going to lie, kind of scares me. How are these Sensors connected? Is it a wire, or something else? Where can I find the wire that is supposed to be connected to the sensor (like if you trace the wire from where it comes, where would it be?)?

Sorry, I am a wiring Newbie, I hate wiring; and being Color blind doesn't help my situation. Thanks.


Also; how hard would it be to install different gauges in our pickups? I was thinking about possibly redoing the gauges and getting new aftermarket gauges since 2/5 of mine don't work. :/

 

I just noticed something towards the rear of the Distributor cap, that kind of looks like the Engine Temp Sensor, is that what I should be looking for instead of something in the thermostat housing?

 

See that little elbow right behind your distributor? That's where the guage connects. I would put aftermarket guages in anyways. The whole hot or cold, low or high is more than a little vague. I like an actual real measured number to work with. Installing guages is a cinch too.
Ah, didn't see you had already posted. That is indeed it.

 

Yes, the sensor is the threaded plug with wire attached behind the distributor in your pic. You might want to remove the radiator and have it rodded out, about $75-80 or so, no telling how much crud is stuck in it.

 

i would also suggest checking the radiator. do you have a fan shroud? and you cant really trust the factory gauge so i would suggest getting an aftermarket mechanical gauge.

 

I do have a fan shroud, but it was broken on the top when I got the pickup. So the sides and bottom are surrounded by the shroud, but not the top. :/