90 V8 Overheating--Bees un der Bonnet

[Reynard8@aol.com]

Thanks to all who responded to my help request of 9/7/98.  

The radiator was drained and the lower temperature sender found coated with a
~1mm thick layer of gray slime, presumably residue/precipitate from previous
boiling incidents and/or use of phosphate/silicate-content antifreeze.  So the
system was flushed with a Prestone product (safe for aluminum, etc.).  After
this, the electric fan behaved normally but temps were still running 110 C and
higher in traffic at less than 2,500 RPM.  So the radiator was removed and
taken to a shop for an ultrasonic bath cookout.  

Upon removing the AC condenser, an ancient bee's nest was found between the
condenser and radiator covering 25 to 30 percent of the cooling area!  Also,
lots of road-sand particles obstructed  the condenser and radiator fins, even
after the cookout.  I spent about three hours removing sand, and now
temperature doesn't exceed 85 C or so.  Mission accomplished, finally!!

Joe Fox
'90 V8 Cool !
'97 BMW 540 ia (for sale)
'55 Ford Pickup 351C/C6 auto