TheBigTater
Full Access Member
Hey guys, I have an 82 Sierra 4x4, 350/th350 and it has been in the low 90's the last week here and every time I drive up the South Hill it starts to overheat. I'm not loaded or towing and the hill isn't really that steep the grade just goes on for a couple miles. I can sit in traffic all day or drive around stop and go in the city and it stays at 195. The truck originally had a 305 and the PO replaced it with a GM crate 350. They reused the stock radiator, which doesn't look to be in the best shape but it is holding coolant and seems to be flowing fine. The thermostat is only about a year old along with the motor, and the water pump. Hoses are all newer too. Here's my thought- that radiator isn't enough for the larger motor when combined with having to cool the tranny fluid. If my thermostat failed closed it would be overheating while sitting in traffic. Any thoughts here guys? I'm on a shoestring budget right now since I'm an unemployed full time college student so I really want to avoid throwing unnecessary parts at it. Any help would be appreciated.