Topic: Message #579155

[ZUK]

I have an 85 22re with a fresh overhaul that keeps overheating within minutes of start up. Took it out to wheel on it's maiden voyage and never went past the trail head. The guage will fully peg just after startup. We gutted the new thermostat and it and after few start ups it began to run a little cooler (at the little white line on the hot side) but wasn't buiding any cooling system pressure. I pressure tested the system and found the water pump leaking out the weep hole. I replaced the water pump and installed a new (stant) t stat and radiator cap, now it builds good pressure but is once again pegging the guage. It seems like the coolant in the bottom end is getting way too hot before the t stat opens then the whole system stays HOT. It runs hot even if i'm cruising at 30-40 mph. I did do a search on this topic and found the upgraded 2 stage t stat from toyota that I will try tomorrow. I do not have another guage yet to confirm the temp, the damn sunpro pos I bought at auto zone has too short of copper wire to reach from inside the cab to where i need to mount it. The radiator and instument cluster is out of a wrecked 87 i picked up for parts but it ran good and cool. If I disconnect the sensing wire from the coolant sensor (also new) on the intake manifold the guage will drop so i know its not the wiring. Any ideas woul be greatfully appriciated. Though i hope i answered my own question when i try a new t stat  from toyota and get a better guage.

If the lower radiator hose is cool....and the upper one is HOT.... then you have a clogged radiator.