That is it my car hates me

[72cudamaan]

Sounds like the coolant isn't completely topped off so you might not see the flow. Most people don't
realize that a temp sender needs to be submerged in coolant to read properly. I.E a sender cant read air temp, so if
you're coolant is low you may be getting an inaccurate reading. Another good reason to try the thermometer in the rad. neck.

[4 speed fish]

I would take the thermostat out.I would disconnect the radiator hoses from the radiator and run water from a garden hose thru the hose and see how the flow is coming out of the other hose.I would run the water in both directions.If there is good flow than it is probably the water pump.

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

I would take the thermostat out.I would disconnect the radiator hoses from the radiator and run water from a garden hose thru the hose and see how the flow is coming out of the other hose.I would run the water in both directions.If there is good flow than it is probably the water pump.

I see your point but this is a brand new pump and when I ran the car without the thermostat it moved water like a rapped. Everything is working and flowing until I put in a thermostat. I think 72Cudaman might be right. I do have a gap in the coolant and the top of the tank. I will put more in and fill the res. before testing. I think you may be on to something.

[4Cruizn]

 

[Strawdawg]

crank the car up and put your hand on the upper hose....if it gets hot, water is flowing thru it.   Or, take the thermostat out and put it in a pan of water and heat it up to see if it opens.  this should be a relatively simple procedure.


If there is not enuf water to cover the thermostat in the system, it will not open either.

[cudabob496]

My 72 service manual lists the following possible causes of overheating:

blocked radiator air passages
wrong timing
low engine oil
incorrect valve timing
inaccurate temp gauge/faulty temp sending unit
restricted overflow tube
faulty rad cap, fan drive unit, or vacuum bypass valve

[Chryco Psycho]

What make of thermostat are you using? I only use Stant , i have had numerous problems with Motorad & other off makes

[dutch]

I had a new motorad not open.   

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

Got the tools I need to check the temp Lazar / and / baking thermo. I will try to drive it again in the next day or so and let you know what happens. 

[jimynick]

Not trying to be rude or a smarta$$, but is it possible you've got the 'stat in upside down? The pellet should be down in the block's water to open properly. Just my 

[footin70rt]

This has some really good info here on the basics of cooling system operation.

http://www.stealth316.com/misc/grapeape-coolingsystems.pdf

[Strawdawg]

yes, that guy has some solid technical data

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

yes, that guy has some solid technical data

 

Time for the grand reveal. Today I drove the car about 30 minutes to the auto parts store to return some parts I was not using. It is about 95+ degree's here in Cali today so I though, hey this would be a great day to get stranded with an over heating challenger in a bad Long beach neighborhood. 
So about half way to the auto parts store the temp kept climbing. I was about half gauge when I pulled over. I used my new lazer temp to search everything on the engine and radiator. Engine Block 178, radiator 159, lower hose 134, I jumped back in sure the gauge was to blame and drove the car on. The temp gauge started to drop but held a little less then half way. Ignoring it I finished my doings and came home. The temp held steady. I check everything. It was right where it should be. The temp sender was right at 180 where the thermostat should be. Long story short I should have listened to you all. It was only the gauge running a little high.

For those of you I should have listened to THANK YOU! You were right and I was jumping to conclusions.
For those of you that where wrong. THANK YOU! This site is wonderful because you get feedback and trouble shooting tips you never would have thought to check yourself.


THANK YOU ALL!

[Jamiez]

The reading of the gauge is a function of the sending unit...different units have different resistance...which makes the gauge read hit or low.  It's not really that precise of an instrument.

This thread talks about modifying the resistance to make the gauge read higher (most read low), but you could make a similar adjustment to make the gauge read lower.
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=77829.15

[TRIPLE-GREEN]

The reading of the gauge is a function of the sending unit...different units have different resistance...which makes the gauge read hit or low.  It's not really that precise of an instrument.

This thread talks about modifying the resistance to make the gauge read higher (most read low), but you could make a similar adjustment to make the gauge read lower.
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=77829.15

thanks I totally see your point I will take a look.