Hello,

I have a 1985 I6 300 1bb. Last week i took the truck to "test the 4 wheel drive" and after about 10 minuites the radiator overflow started blowing out antifreeze, and the tempature gauge ran to the L in normal. I shut the truck down, waited about 30 minuits for the motor to cool down and restarted the truck. The gauge was at the M in normal at this point. I drove the truck home ( about 10 minuits) and the gauge cooled to normal. I topped the radiator off with water and left it. the next day I drove to the dump, in stop and go traffic, and all was fine. Today, I drove the truck about 65 miles, and as soon as I pulled in the driveway i noticed steam, stopped and opened the hood, and the overflow was shooting out antifreeze. Also, the motor continues to run for about 3-5 seconds after i shut it off (sputters). I am thinking of getting a new t-stat, any advise would be appreciated. Also, i have heard you can remove the t-stat and not install a new one with no problems in the summer. any truth to this?


Thanks,
Russ

 

I never run without a thermostat, especially on computer controlled vehicles. Not so critical on your 85. I would recommend a thermostat and radiator cap and inspect the hoses for excessive spongyness and the fan clutch for proper operation and a tight drive belt. If you do all that and it still overheats probably need to get the radiator flow tested.