The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Overheating

Hello All -
What are the common culprits if an engine overheats? My red idiot light comes on on occassion. I'm hoping it's as easy as a thermostat.
Thanks!

thermostat
coolant level
loose fan belt
clogged coolant passages in engine
bad radiator
clogged/collapsed hose(s)
bad water pump
something wrong with engine - head gasket leak
clogged exhaust system
bad temperature sensor
engine timing is off?
lean carburetor setting?

http://www.aa1car.com/library/overheat.htm

http://www.troubleshooters.com/toverheat.htm

Under what conditions does the light come on?

The thermostat usually goes and it gets really hot, never seen one have an intermittent problem. More likely the radiator has internal blockage or a weak hose is collapsing. If you haven't already, flushing the system might do it some good.

And then it could be just a bad sensor.............

The sensor is new. If it's a thermostat, which one do I buy? There are different temperature ratings on each thermostat. I have a 235.
Also, I will flush my system (the truck...not mine) and see if that helps.
Thanks!

I would think that a 180 would work, maybe a 190 if you live in a real cold area.