engine temp switch

[DnStClr]

Sometimes a loose fan belt can be the cause of cooling problems. Make sure there's no more than 1/2 " deflection in that belt. Also, a  bad radiator cap can cause cooling problems. There's a small vacuum valve in them and if the valve fails then the system pressure won't be equalized. A hose can partially collapse and restrict coolant flow back to the radiator. When flow is restricted the system overheats.

[beastie_3]

If you are draining everything just enough to do the t stat swap, then you wont have air bubble problems. A quick drive around will get rid of them. You will only have air pockets if you drain the block.

You first came here to discuss your broken temp gauge. What is the status of it. Do you trust it is working now?

[Irish_Alley]

If you fill it like vile said through the thermostat house then once that's full put it I'm and fill the rest up through the Rad cap. I would then bet its a dirty rad

[74chev4x4]

The temp gauge is working not sure how well?  Yes let just enought fluid out to do the tstat, I did fill it originally through the block. Just tightened up the fan wp belt and still same crap. It can sit and idle for like 3min and the gauge says it hot and overheating. The radiator on the sides it hot to the touch not super hot, but hot the cap is cool however.  I don't get it, guys I will just let this one die I am sick of messing with it and putting money into it with no results.  Thank you all for your help.

[beastie_3]

Your radiator is hotter on the driver side because it is supposed to be. That is where the HOT water is coming in.

I would go buy a cheap temp gauge and set it up temporarily just to make sure your getting a correct reading.
http://sunpro.com/product_detail.php?pid=16323

What kind of fan do you have, and do you have a fan shroud?

[74chev4x4]

clutch fan, and shroud, the shroud is from the 454 so the fan is not totally inside but 95 % inside if u know what I mean.  Might try the new temp gauge just have some much money in this thing I am going crazy, thanks man.

[74chev4x4]

same setup on the 454 never a problem, dam thing ran cool all the time.

[Irish_Alley]

Wait it over heats at idle?

[74chev4x4]

Yep just sitting at idle it says its hot overheating?

[beastie_3]

http://www.harborfreight.com/infrared-thermometer-93984.html

[74chev4x4]

Is the gauge bad?

[beastie_3]

Well you came on here asking about your temp sensor and gauge. I would use a outside source to determine if the gauge, wiring, or sensor is faulty. Then you will know if the engine is getting too hot or not.

[Irish_Alley]

Without a thermostat at idle its ok

[74chev4x4]

yea no tstat at idle the gauge was saying its fine

[beastie_3]

That could be because it isnt getting a chance to warm up enough. How hot is it where you live? Is it staying cool in the driveway, or are you driving down the streets? Driving to the end of the block and back wont count.