car running hot

[ericsvt]

well my 89 five-o is running hot what should i check, i dont have that much time im thinking of taking it down to the track this saturday. Well i have a all these parts new 3 core radiator, water pump, 190 thermosta t.

 

[5PtSlo]

Maybe a 160 thermostat?

 

[sgarlic]

When does it run hot? All the time, just when idling, at speed? Do you have an aftermarket temp gauge?

If only at idle, does the temp. go back down once you start going again?

We need some more info to help..

 

[vristang]

Unless you have some odd-ball combo the 160 stat will do more harm than good. The lower cylinder temps will increase bore wear, engine oil will not get up to temp (should be 200-220F or higher depending on the source), and power and economy will most likely suffer due to poor combustion. With lower coolant temps the computer will constantly feel it is in cold start mode, which yields a richer mixture.

For a quick fix try a 180F stat.

However, as SGARLIC said, you will need to provide more info.

 

[HISSIN50]

And tell us what your definition of hot is. With a 190 stat, temps of 200-210*F at times are not unusual IMHO.

Good luck.