We'll I thought I could find this issue on my own, but I think I need help. My engine, a 228, is overheating. Once it reaches operating temperature, 180 degrees, it doesn't stop. The heat gauge continues to rise well into the 200's before I panic and turn it off. Here are the things I have done.
1) Replaced the water pump (more about this below)
2) Replaced the thermostat. I tested it in hot water and drilled a 1/8" hole in the flange.
3) I Took the radiator to a shop, had it cleaned and flow tested.
4) Back flushed the system with water. When the radiator was out, I plugged the lower water pump inlet, looped the heater hose connections and removed the block drain. I stuck a pressurized water hose in the thermostat housing and flushed until the water ran fast and clear out of the block drain. I also ran a wire up the drain hole to remove the sludge.
Here are my observations and questions. When the truck was running and getting hot, I took the radiator cap off and the water was not running. The upper radiator hose was very hot and the lower hose was cool. The new (remanufactured) water pump has a high pitch squeak. Besides being a nuisance, could it not be working correctly? Do you have any suggestions? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Dale
