I was having trouble with my truck getting hot, not overheating just getting real hot. On a couple of summer runs, temperature got to 220+ enough for a scare.
At the time this was happening I would turn my heater on and the fan on high. Summer just got hotter in the cab.
Solution, or so I thought, better thermostat. 46yblock came through and sent me one.
Still getting hot. Next Radiator, I decided to have mine rodded out, seriously clogged. After radiator was rodded out I reinstalled it. I also made a shroud for it.
I made a run, about a hundred miles round trip. Temperature was high but everything was good.
Got home opened hood, noticed a leak around thermostat housing. Pulled upper hose off. (It is a new hose) and noticed a white milky substance in hose. UHOUGH, blown head gasket.
My friend came by with his radiator preasure tester (don't know exact name of tool) All checked out good. Compression checke out good as well.
Engine is actually run cool. Electronic temp gauge showed everything good and cool.
Reason for the scare? white substance in upper radiator hose. conclusion: possibly oil in hose from the parts house.
I'll be doing a cruise tomorrow to the "Cruisin for a Cure" show in Orange County Ca. I'll let you guy's know how it does.
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I'm wondering if it's left over oil solution from rodding the radiator.My Dad used to put a touch of soluble oil in the radiator and it would look like what your describing.What does the dip stick look like?

 

Dip stick fine, radiator cap is fine. No mixing anywhere else just upper hose.

 

Sounds like your ok then.Could be something in the hose like you said.Keep an eye on it and enjoy the cruise.

 

Had simular problem, could not figure out why engine was over heating, found residual water in cavity beneath the therostat housing but could not detect a leak, seems most evaporated due to engine heat. I had purchased a nicely chromed aftermarket water inlet/thermostat housing with the 'O' ring and apparently did not seal when I installed it. The leak was so minor and would not develope until the engine got hot and radiator reached a certain pressure. Finally waited until engine overheated and inspected while running and detected the leak. Went back to stock inlet that requires the gasket, which goes without saying, can be a big pain in the backside installing. Anyhow, food for thought.

 

have you thought about running electric fans? duals?

 

After todays heating issues, I'm not going anywhere until I install the biggest baddest radiator and pull fan I can afford. Overkill...You betcha!!
No fun driving in hundred plus degrees with heater on just to keep engine cool.

 

im still not convinced there isnt an issue. getting that hot is crazy. has it always done that?

 

I agree! I dont think the radiator is the problem.....Have you done any other mods to the truck? how much timing do you have? and do you smell any antifreeze ?

 

One other thing...you mentioned the radiator was clogged badly...if it was badly clogged...chances are the heater core is its mirror image inside...also see if the lower radiator hose has its spring in it so it wont collapse on itself...heater hoses could have a soft spot in them as well...Glad you didnt end up with a milkshake...those are depressing as heck...and definately not cheap either.


- cs65

 

sounds like you speak from experience. agreed head gaskets suck.