This is sort of a follow-up to a thread from August 27 (https://discoweb.org/index.php?threads/coolant-temp.102055/ ). Even though the weather has been getting cooler, my running temps were actually getting higher, but not bad - running 197 - 206, but higher than I'd like, especially since it wasn't in the summer heat. So, decided to go ahead with a little prevention and try to get temps down. Swapped out the water pump I installed last year with a new Flowkooler, installed HD fan clutch, installed new Nissens radiator (replaced all hoses and OEM stat last year), and completed the inline stat mod (with some trial and error on hose length/position) with a 180-degree stat and I did drill one 1/8 hole in flange. Shout out to a particular forum member for giving me some helpful tips!
I put coolant in through the top hose (at stat housing connection point) then topped off in reservoir. After letting it idle to operating temp, took it for a test drive (I'll share the full story about this initial test drive and my new concern next, but one issue at time). Wild swings in temp 177 - 206. Got back, burped it, topped off in reservoir drove again. Let it cool overnight and topped off again before test driving. Same thing. Let it cool, topped off a bit more. Later in the day, drove it to a friend's house ~20 miles and started out with wide swings, but eventually settled in between 188 - 194 (mostly highway) and thought OK, maybe it's resolved. However, coming back I had big swings again. Not so much when constantly moving on the highway (although more than on the trip down), but anytime slowed down for traffic or stopped at a light, the temp would shoot up. It got to 216 at one stop light and I quickly put it in neutral and revved it.
I feel like I bled the system pretty well. Any ideas on what's causing the wide swings?
OK, now for the rest of the story related to my initial test drive. Again, idling, the temps were going back and forth, but fine. For the first 1/2 mile or so, same thing, temps going back and forth, but fine. Then temp started going up fast and wasn't coming down. When hit 236, I immediately switched off the ignition. Like an idiot, I had forgotten to tighten the hose clamp where the top hose connects to the radiator and had blown my coolant and left a long trail on the street. Walked home, got my screwdriver and some coolant so I could get it back. Here's where I get nervous that I may have truly effed things up. Leaving the friend's house last night, I heard a new tapping sound when I started it up. Once the engine warmed up, it went away. I haven't started it yet this morning, but please tell me there could be a number of things causing that tapping sound other than liners...
I put coolant in through the top hose (at stat housing connection point) then topped off in reservoir. After letting it idle to operating temp, took it for a test drive (I'll share the full story about this initial test drive and my new concern next, but one issue at time). Wild swings in temp 177 - 206. Got back, burped it, topped off in reservoir drove again. Let it cool overnight and topped off again before test driving. Same thing. Let it cool, topped off a bit more. Later in the day, drove it to a friend's house ~20 miles and started out with wide swings, but eventually settled in between 188 - 194 (mostly highway) and thought OK, maybe it's resolved. However, coming back I had big swings again. Not so much when constantly moving on the highway (although more than on the trip down), but anytime slowed down for traffic or stopped at a light, the temp would shoot up. It got to 216 at one stop light and I quickly put it in neutral and revved it.
I feel like I bled the system pretty well. Any ideas on what's causing the wide swings?
OK, now for the rest of the story related to my initial test drive. Again, idling, the temps were going back and forth, but fine. For the first 1/2 mile or so, same thing, temps going back and forth, but fine. Then temp started going up fast and wasn't coming down. When hit 236, I immediately switched off the ignition. Like an idiot, I had forgotten to tighten the hose clamp where the top hose connects to the radiator and had blown my coolant and left a long trail on the street. Walked home, got my screwdriver and some coolant so I could get it back. Here's where I get nervous that I may have truly effed things up. Leaving the friend's house last night, I heard a new tapping sound when I started it up. Once the engine warmed up, it went away. I haven't started it yet this morning, but please tell me there could be a number of things causing that tapping sound other than liners...