There has been a lot of discussion here on the Bolt about overheating...have you read this thread "Engine getting too hot before thermostat opens"?
You need to run the thermostat, without it the water flows to fast through the radiator and it can't cool the water.
Is your engine to tight?
Does your T-stat have a 1/8" bleeder hole.
Is you radiator cap a pressurized cap? You need to run with a pressurized cap as it raises the boiling point.
Did you have an electric fan blowing in front of the radiator? With no sheet metal the original fan may not be pulling enough air through the radiator...
That's all I can think about now...others will chime in with their thoughts.
Mike B
