engine overheating?

How is the fan shroud? It must be in good condition, or the engine will overheat. Also, when the engine is overheating can you hear the fan clutch kick in (start to roar)? Here is an image of the fan shroud so you can confirm the part is installed correctly. It only shows the top half it should be completely around the radiator. This guide can help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Hi Ken. The shroud is also in good shape and installed properly (both top and bottom). I'm at my wits end. The fan runs constantly. I tried to check the fan clutch in all methods I could find and could find no problems with it either.
Crazy Ray

Any other ideas? Just can't find the problem.

What makes you think it is overheating does the radiator boil over? Also confirm you have the correct water pump, I have seen with the wrong pump it may get spun backwards causing an issue, also, remove the radiator cap, engine cold, start the engine until warm then see if the coolant is flowing? How fast does it over heat?

The radiator does not boil over. Coolant is flowing. It does not show overheating all the time, but just at times. My check engine light does not go on either. My hood is cool to the touch after driving. Could it be the gauge itself? If so, is there a sensor or something I can replace? All fluid levels remain normal also??? Thanks.
Ray

It could be that the coolant temperature sensor is off. Here is the location in this video which is similar to yours so you can change it out for a new unit.

The coolant sensor must be handled carefully. If the sensor is damaged, fuel injection operation will be affected.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Drain coolant from radiator so level is below sensor.
3. Disconnect coolant sensor electrical connector.
4. Carefully back out coolant sensor and remove.
5. Reverse procedure to install.

https://youtu.be/g4wRRxgjp94


Please let us know what happens.

Thanks. that sensor is on the way. However, today I removed my radiator cap and let the engine warm up. There was never any indication that the coolant was moving at all. Anyway, I am going to replace the pump as the fellow that put in my rebuilt engine told me he forgot if he used my old pump or the one on the rebuild. A new pump was only about $30.00. I'm going to wait for my new sensors, then do the job. Thanks for all your help. I understand some pumps can run backwards so I thought a new one would be my best bet.

Yep, good call, let me know how it goes.

Can't get to it for a few days but I'll sure let you know.

Hi Ken. Crazy Ray here again. I'm finally going to start working on replacing my water pump tomorrow.

Sorry. Let me try again, Ken. My new question to you is this. When I bought this truck, I was told that if I used the air conditioner the engine would heat up. that probably should have rung my bell that the air conditioner was faulty. Anyway, today I noticed the compressor was screaming pretty bad (pully). This is just my old truck that rarely even leaves town. If I were to remove the whole works (condenser and all) would I be able to get another serpentine belt for my engine (without air conditioning) 305 engine? Maybe another stupid question but now would be the time to do it.

yes, you should be able to get a belt for non-A/C, but the A/C shouldn't make a difference. Does it have a new 180 thermostat? also, even though you think the fan clutch is okay I would get an AC Delco HD fan clutch. Can you take a picture of the engine, fan and radiator please? You can upload them here so I can see what's going on.

Actually, Ken, I have already ordered a new fan clutch. When I removed my old one, I could barely turn it at all, and I'm a big guy. Unfortunately, I couldn't afford the one you recommended. I hope the new one will work. It will be here on Saturday. I decided to just leave the air conditioner on the old truck and just not try to charge it. The clutch on the compressor is noisy but it turns freely on the pulley. When I'm done, I will have replaced everything in the engine cooling system. FYI The cooling fan never stops running and starts running as soon as I start the truck. As usual, thank you so much for your help. I'll keep you informed.

sounds good, please let me know.

Hi Ken. Crazy Ray here again. As you know, I replaced everything involved in my engine cooling system. I just got done a few minutes ago, checked for any leaks, malfunctions, etc. Fired the old truck up and it overheated. Sorry about screaming but what a huge disappointment after all my work and expenses. Here's where I'm now. I love my nephews very much, but I really don't think the 'rebuilt' engine they got for me was actually rebuilt. I think they may have been taken by someone. I'm actually wondering if there isn't a blown/leaking head gasket or something to that effect. In summary---I'm 80 years old, live on social Security with my not too healthy 76-year-old wife, broke and getting broker, etc. etc. Whine, whine some more. Bottom line, I accept defeat. Thank you for all your help along the way. God bless you and yours.

How long does it take to overheat?

Doesn't take long, maybe 10 minutes.

Let's check for a blown head gasket. here is a guide to help us:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test


Please run down this guide and report back.

Excellent stuff. Thank you so much Ken. Can't get to it for a week or two but will let you know what I can find out.

sounds good.