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454 in 1985 HRC

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454 in 1985 HRC Al Carroll 7-10-08  
I own a 1985 Holiday Imp. with a chevy 454 engine in it. The temp used to run about 190 degrees. On a trip a couple of years ago the temp took a sudden rise to 200+ degrees. The first thing that I did was to change the thermostat and the hoses. No improvement. The next thing that I did was to install a larger radiator and elec. cooling fans. and move the comdensor fan for the air conditioner. Still no help. The temp still heats up at highway speeds to the 220 mark and at times it has boiled over. I know that it is running hot because I have checked it with an infared thermoter. I have pulled the heads and had them checked for cracks and they were ok. I have disconnected the upper radiator hose and started the engine and the fluid blows out of the hose like it should. I am just about to my wits end on this thing.
A little history about me. I have been in the auto repair business for the past fory years and have done a great deal of work on coaches. From engine changes to installing all sorts of aftermarket items.
This unit has a BAnks exhaust system on it and several other things that are not related to the running of the engine.
We have even been in touch with the GM Factory and they could not shed any light on the problem.
I know that there has been other folks that have had this problem and I would like to hear some input or suggestions as to what could be going on. The brakes are not dragging.
This unit has 43000 miles on it.
Someone please give me some help on this. I am just about nutty
Thank you for any help at all
Al Carroll

If you would like to call me with suggestions dial 1-800-992-8268 between 0700 and 1700 hours
Re: 454 in 1985 HRC BUBBA THE BUS TECH 7-10-08  
I have seen several GM products suffer from water pump cavitation so that the higher the RPM got the less the water pump moved. It got so bad on one of my hot rods I internally modified the water pump by reducing the clearance between the impeller and the housing. It helped my unit. I have heard of racers under driving the water pump to prevent this. They fit smaller crank pullies and larer pump. Doubt that would work in this case.Good Luck
Re: 454 in 1985 HRC rich 7-10-08  
Hi, I'd check your exhaust Al. These big blocks will heat with just a little back pressure. They still run ok except for the temp rise. Lots of time rv's develop rusty mufflers due to the long down times. Just open the pipes in front of the mufflers and see if it still wants to heat.
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