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I have a chevy 454 in a 82 class A Winnebago motorhome. After suspecting that the engine was running hot, I put in a stewart/warner temp gauge in the engine block replacing the original. On a 90 degree day up a gradual incline at 55mph, the temp approaches 220 degrees. After going over the hill and coming down (with less load) the temp comes back to 215 degrees. I had put in a heavy duty new radiator this spring and was hoping that this would keep the engine running cooler. Should I be concerned with it running these temps? I have seen a lot of discussion about fan clutches kicking in around 210 degrees. I know my clutch has not kicked in this summer since I have put the new radiator in. Is 220 degrees too high? Should my fan clutch be kicking in? If the temp is running too high, is my lack of fan clutch kicking in most likely the reason? What replacement brand fan clutch would you recommend?
John, In dealing with all of the RAT motors that chev builds we have found that if the timing is off a littli bit it will cause an overheating problem. you didn't say what type of fan clutch you had ie viscous or air. you definitly did the right thing in replaceing the temp gauge with a stewart warner unit. all the 366,427,454 and such operate at a much higher temp than the fords or chryslers. Keep trucking, PM
I have a chevy 454 in a 82 class A Winnebago motorhome. After suspecting that the engine was running hot, I put in a stewart/warner temp gauge in the engine block replacing the original. On a 90 degree day up a gradual incline at 55mph, the temp approaches 220 degrees.
220 is not an excessive temperature. Especially when you consider where the thermal for the guage is, right between two exhaust ports in the head. (if you put it in in place of the original). A stock spec fan clutch will come on strong at about 230. Assuming you have a 195 thermostat, (which is good) you are running about normal.
John, In dealing with all of the RAT motors that chev builds we have found that if the timing is off a littli bit it will cause an overheating problem. you didn't say what type of fan clutch you had ie viscous or air. you definitly did the right thing in replaceing the temp gauge with a stewart warner unit. all the 366,427,454 and such operate at a much higher temp than the fords or chryslers. Keep trucking, PM
Perry, thanks for your suggestion. I am new to fan clutches and really don't know how to know whether I have a viscous or air clutch. I am going to tune the engine and see how that effects the temp. It has been running well, yet I am sure a good tune could only help. Thanks again!
To Russel Thanks, for your followup, that's a big relief! I was disappointed after spending the money on the new radiator, but now feel as though I'm okay. The fan clutch used to kick in before I put the new radiator in and yet I didn't really know what my running temp was with the original stock gauge. From what I recall, I never really drove the motorhome in serious hot weather after I put the stewart warner gauge in. I did replace the original in the same location (between the two exhaust ports). Thanks again.
Relieved,
John
I have a chevy 454 in a 82 class A Winnebago motorhome. After suspecting that the engine was running hot, I put in a stewart/warner temp gauge in the engine block replacing the original. On a 90 degree day up a gradual incline at 55mph, the temp approaches 220 degrees.
220 is not an excessive temperature. Especially when you consider where the thermal for the guage is, right between two exhaust ports in the head. (if you put it in in place of the original). A stock spec fan clutch will come on strong at about 230. Assuming you have a 195 thermostat, (which is good) you are running about normal.
I have a chevvy 454 in a HRC Imperial. On a return trip home I noticed that the temp had risen to about 210. It has normally run about 190. After doing the usual things, changing the hoses, fan clutch and water pump. It still continued to run hot. At this point I installed a larger radiator and all electric fans. Still no help. I did have an Edlebrock timing control on it and I removed it and no help. The faster that I drive it the hotter it gets. I have used all sorts of thermostats in it. From a Catapillar thermostat to a 160 degree thermostat.
I am at my wits end with this problem,. And I hate to admit it but I am and ASE Master Tech with 44 years in the field. But if anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate them. I did remove the heads and had them checked for cracks and they were ok.
gain Thank you for any help at all
Al CArroll
Al, have you solved the problem yet? I have a similar situation with an '87 Rockwood. It climes to almost hot and the oil temp climes to over 260 on a steep long grade (The Grapevine, CA). They drop dramatically when no load. I too put in the largest rad, new water pump, themostat. I'm not an expert, but it seems from all the info I have gathered, those puppies run hot!
And I'm not towing anything.
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