01 Tahoe overheating- stumped

[Walkercraig01]

if there was no thermostat it would most likely just run cold, but I guess there are instances where it might not depending on the weather, etc.

I guess if it was like 110 it might. lol

 

[ScottyBoy]

with the engine off, reach in and try to spin the cooling fan by hand, it should be firm and only move a little, if it is frozen or spins freely then the clutch is shot, my opinion for the radiator is if it is over 5 years old yank it and replace it they get clogged up inside and just don't work properly anymore it's solved the problem for me more than a couple times.

I still have the original radiator on my 2001. But I DO drain it and flush it out about every 3-4 years or so. I flushed it and replaced the coolant when I first bought the truck in 2006, and I have done it again several times over the years. I guess if you take care of something, it lasts.

 

[Doubeleive]

I still have the original radiator on my 2001. But I DO drain it and flush it out about every 3-4 years or so. I flushed it and replaced the coolant when I first bought the truck in 2006, and I have done it again several times over the years. I guess if you take care of something, it lasts.

it's probably a heat thing, here in California they just don't last that long I flush and clean mine annually and they still either clog up or crack and break, as soon as I see the temperature start to fluctuate it's time for it to go bye bye.

 

[OneofFew]

Update:
I ran the engine, burped bubbles, capped it and sat it idling for a good while. Temp needle sat pretty firmly around 215. Turned on A/C and and saw no change really. As to the fan clutch- I think it may be frozen in the partially engaged position because it neither spins freely, nor is locked (at any temperature) and the fan definitely roars like you would expect when bumping the throttle.
I could not do a road test since I have other issues needing fixing and am curious how she will do pulling the mountains of NE Georgia. I think I will go ahead and order a fan clutch.

 

[retiredsparky]

There are some vehicles that will overheat if no thermostat is installed-i have heard the reason is that the coolant moves too fast for proper heat exchange. This obviously isn't the cause in this instance.

 

[OneofFew]

There are some vehicles that will overheat if no thermostat is installed-i have heard the reason is that the coolant moves too fast for proper heat exchange. This obviously isn't the cause in this instance.

Actually I think you may have a good point I forgot about. The cooling system is designed with certain restrictions to divert coolant in a flow pattern. Upsetting that pattern by removing a restriction or adding one can cause issues. I.E.: blocking off a heater core.

 

[retiredsparky]

What is your indication of overheating--engine temp gauge or??

 

[Doubeleive]

What is your indication of overheating--engine temp gauge or??

lol, ya that's usually a pretty good indicator unless it's defective in which case you would have a serious lack of power, pinging. then a nice big **** of white smoke