97 Chevy Astro AWD 154000 miles
Temp gauge is always showing that the van is running hot or very close to it. Without the heat running, it will go into the red. However, there are no other over heating symptoms. I've had it peg 260 while idling but there was no coolant backing up into the overflow tank. I am currently running without the thermostat. With the thermostat in, it will peg 260 consistently but again, no signs of overheating. The engine runs strong and smooth. I have replaced the following:
Coolant temperature sending unit
New radiator
New water pump
3 different thermostats from 3 different sources including a Stant
Pressure tested the cooling system to 16 pounds. No leaks anywhere.
No white smoke, no leaks of any kind.
I've flushed the system including the heater core. Some junk came out but nothing extreme.
Upper hose gets hot, heater hoses get hot so water appears to be flowing. It's definitely moving through the radiator.
I've bled the system and lifted, tilted, shook, cycled, etc... the front end, passenger side. I'd stand it on the 2 rear wheels if I could, LOL!
I've had plenty of experience with overheating vehicles. This has me puzzled. Could the factory gauge be giving a faulty reading? I'm going to install an aftermarket temp gauge tonight. i don't know what else to try. :shrug:
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
Temp gauge is always showing that the van is running hot or very close to it. Without the heat running, it will go into the red. However, there are no other over heating symptoms. I've had it peg 260 while idling but there was no coolant backing up into the overflow tank. I am currently running without the thermostat. With the thermostat in, it will peg 260 consistently but again, no signs of overheating. The engine runs strong and smooth. I have replaced the following:
Coolant temperature sending unit
New radiator
New water pump
3 different thermostats from 3 different sources including a Stant
Pressure tested the cooling system to 16 pounds. No leaks anywhere.
No white smoke, no leaks of any kind.
I've flushed the system including the heater core. Some junk came out but nothing extreme.
Upper hose gets hot, heater hoses get hot so water appears to be flowing. It's definitely moving through the radiator.
I've bled the system and lifted, tilted, shook, cycled, etc... the front end, passenger side. I'd stand it on the 2 rear wheels if I could, LOL!
I've had plenty of experience with overheating vehicles. This has me puzzled. Could the factory gauge be giving a faulty reading? I'm going to install an aftermarket temp gauge tonight. i don't know what else to try. :shrug:
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.