The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Running hot, what's too hot?

Actually I would go by what the real water temp gauge says. You may be reading radiation temps thru metal with the IR. A common problem when radiators overflow is owners filling radiator to full. It needs room for expansion after shut off. If you have a recovery tank, that's a different story. Need to read another vehicle with your IR at the same places. As others have said, if it is really overheating, it will be the water pump, the thermostat, timing, air flow, fan slip or not shrouded properly. I would be darn sure your sender and gauge are correct. Make sure no water in oil and oil press OK. I second what Cletis said about removing thermostat. As far as water pump fail, all the ones I have had will start to seep out the seep hole, but sometimes the water gets evaporated by engine before it hits the driveway. But watch for that. Check belt. You can remove belt and check pump play, but if they are cheap and easy, put on a new one for sure. New engine with old water pump makes no sense. I assume you didn't use an old thermostat. Detonation, as said, and Dieseling is caused by heat caused by timing OR exhaust manifold leaks, especially with headers OR idle too high.