If it doesn’t go above 209 you won’t kill your engine, but that’s still a bit higher than you’d like to see. I have my Ultragauge alarm set for 217.

 

Mine doesn't go over 203 at idle, even in 90 degree ambient temps, even with the AC on. Another bleed might be required

 

I replaced the previous water pump because of "noise". When I took the belt off the fan you could "wiggle" the fan, pivoting it inside the pump. My concern now is that pieces/parts/ball bearings are in the radiator and circulation is compromised.

 

209F max at idle was normal with the stock thermostat. With the inline mode I get max 200F for very short periods only. Did you flush the radiator and hoses to get potential debris out? How old is the radiator? If it is the original one I would get a new one in no question. Nissens is the recommended brand.

 

Ordered a Nissen. Ordered another thermostat which I will test first. Will put some more hours into it towards week's end. Thank you.

 

Good move on new radiator. At this age, it needs it. Nissens is a good one - I run one in my truck, as well as my Volvos. Also recommend flushing the system and running generic green coolant. Dexcool clogs everything and gels up - I hate that crap.

 

I'd recommend doing the in line thermostat when you replace the radiator. I won't run anything else, myself.

 

That's a good option to consider. A properly functioning stock cooling system with a 180-degree t-stat is good enough for most situations, and it gets me by without issues, but for towing or lots of driving in mountainous areas, it's definitely something to think about

 

Just for the benefit of the community, modern Dexcool DOES NOT turn into sludge and destroy your cooling system if/when exposed to air like the original Dexcool. It’s been reformulated since then. I researched it quite closely when I bought my D2 with Orange Dexcool coolant in it.

Unless your truck somehow still has the original coolant, running new Orange Dexcool stuff won’t have the disastrous effects you’ll read about if you Google Dexcool.

 

This is true, my LS did just fine for over 10 years with the original Dexcool. I still see no reason to use it over traditional green. Never actually seen any vehicle with green coolant actually start corroding and I have had some pretty high mileage vehicles.