Instruments - Indicated Overheat After Engine Start
CHEVROLET NUMBER: 88-T-07SECTION: 6B - Engine Cooling
Date: March, 1987
SUBJECT: INDICATED ENGINE OVERHEAT SHORTLY AFTER ENGINE START-UP
MODELS: 1987 M AND G VANS AND 1988 C/K TRUCKS WITH 4.3L (VIN CODE Z), 5.0L (VIN CODE H) AND 5.7L (VIN CODE K) ENGINES
Some 1987 "M" and "G" vans and 1988 "C/K" trucks with 4.3L, 5.0L, and 5.7L engines which use a serpentine accessory drive belt (and therefore a reverse rotation water pump) may experience an indicated engine overheat (temperature gage needle past the red mark) condition during warm-up. The water pumps contain highly efficient curved blade type impellers and under a certain combination of clearances, the impeller discharges a larger quantity of coolant to the right engine bank than to the left engine bank. This conditim usually occurs under closed thermostat operation because the recirculating coolant flows only from the right cylinder head to the right side of the water pump. As a result, left bank coolant flow can be lower until the thermostat opens, causing the indicated overheat condition. The coolant sensor for the dash indicator is located in the left head. Excessive flow to the right bank can also cause lower coolant temperature and poor heater performance. This condition can be addressed using the following procedure.
CHECKING PROCEDURE
1. Check coolant level.
2. Check temperature sensing system (sender and gage).
^ An indicated overheat usually causes a swinging (between hot and cold) temperature gage needle or a needle that is stuck past the red mark.
^ A temperature sensing system that is working correctly will test as follows:
The gage needle should be below 100 degrees Fahrenheit when engine is cold and gage
needle should not be swinging below normal operating temperature when engine has been warmed up.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Remove water pump using procedures in section 6B (Engine Cooling) of the appropriate service manual.
2. Remove back cover on the water pump by removing six machine screws. Remove gasket.
FIGURE NO. 1:
3. Using a pencil grinder, grind away the cast dam (approximately 0.150" high by about 0.5" wide) at the bottom inside of the pump body. See Figure No. 1.
a. Place rags to immobilize impeller and to gain maximum access to the dam and to keep grinding metal particles from entering the pump bearing and seal.
4. Remove metal particles and rags.
5. Clean pump body and cover. Reinstall back cover using a new gasket, P/N 3782611, and torque machine screws to 9 - 14 N-m (72 - 90 lb. in).
6. Reinstall water pump.
7. Retest vehicle for condition.
Labor Operation Number: T7315
Labor Time : 1.3 Hour
Add : 0.2 A/C
Add : 0.2 P/S