My 1993 RR 4.2 always ran dead center of the coolant gauge. I just replaced my water pump, t-stat, and put a new/used radiator in to replace my old turning-to-dust one. Started up, topped up the coolant, opened the cap to the heater lines until coolant came out and then closed everything up. Temp gauge went almost to red (not sure how long it took). Do I just have air in the system? How do you bleed it? Anything to check? Possible bad t-stat even though it's new? Top hose is hot--very hot.

 

alpinab7,

Did you have the used radiator checked for good flow (or cleaned by a radiator shop) before fitting it?. It's been our experience that used radiators rarely are up to the task, and you don't want to roll dice in this area. Read my section at http://www.eurotekapg.com/ptrain.html about overheating.

Regards,

Mike McLaughlin
www.eurotekapg.com

 

You didn't mention replacing hoses which the bottom hose might be collapsing if very soft from age. Another possibility may be air trapped under the thermostat. If there isn't already one I usually drill a .125" hole in the thermostat to let any air through that may get trapped underneath it. I have also purchased a couple faulty thermostats in my life time which the first time ended up costing me $400 because I replaced everything else before checking my new $5 thermostat.

Just some suggestions from past experiences but the above post about the used radiator is a good possibility.

 

Didn't have the radiator checked. My old one was crumbling to dust and I fugured this one looked good, so...any way for me to check flow? Does the cooling system need to be bled?