Topic: 80 TURBO T/A RUNNING HOT

[martyp]

I know that the turbo T/A runs somewhat hot. I took a short 20 min. drive today ( it was 85-90) and the temp gauge went above 220 deg. Should I be worried about this ?

Car has 27K original miles & bone stock. Not sure if thermostat or coolant has been changed in a while ? If I change it, what degree thermostat is best ? I probably should flush the system. The heater core is bypassed already, but plenty of heat comes into the cabin.

Also want to make sure I have the right oil in it. The sticker under the hood says 30W straight. I've read that it's OK to use Rotella because of the zinc ?

I've had T/A's from '75 to '81 & '84 to '02  and have never had such a hot running motor ?

Any help, would be greatly appreciated

[Stringer]

It's probably the gage.  The gages on these cars were notoriously inaccurate. Get a lazer thermometer ($20 or so from Home Depot) and check the heat from multiple locations.  Mine will hold steady at 220 on the gage in Phoenix in 114 degree heat.....but the actual water temp is closer to 190-195 degrees. Mine's not a turbo, its the 6.6L  403, but as long as the original radiator shroud is in place, the radiator is not plugged, and the water pump is good it should not overheat.  I would change all fluids and put what ever oil it calls for in it.

[81Turbo TA]

It  takes a 195 thermostat that is a dual action  one.
Ac delco part # 12T19E for the 195
For a 180 it is 12T19D

If the water pump was ever changed,  they could have used a stamped impeller and never clearanced the divider plate. Or the original divider plate is rotted.  A cast impeller and clearanced divider plate will keep it cool