So I put a rigid lower radiator hose on my 89 and it is now running cooler than it ever has. As a matter of fact it might be too cold because I put a 160 degree thermostat and a cool switch in a long time ago trying to fix the overheating issue. In the 12 years I've owned this car, you are the first person to ever suggest the lower radiator hose needs to be replaced. You're a genius kid.
I have an 87 GTA that I've owned for over 20yrs. I figured this out a few years after I bought it. I installed a set of $1,000. Flex-a-Lite dual fans and a 160 thermostat. Also installed a fan switch from summit racing that turns the fans on @185 and off @170. Still wanted to run a little high. So, I noticed this about the lower radiator hose and installed one with a wire coil inside it, problem solved! The factory fan switch doesn't turn them on til 219 degrees. That's way too hot! They did this for gas mileage purposes.
Ok, so I own a 91 z28 and for any of yall out there with a F-Body Camaro then you may not know that 230° F dose not mean your car is running hot, actually GM stated in 1980s that 210° to 230° is perfectly normal. Now I have done and engine swap on mine recently and I've changed my bottom radiator hose, and mine runs normally between 180° & 210° and the reason I changed my radiator hose is because it busted while I was driving. Hope this helps
good thing you didn't mention the fan switch by the starter. It is a single wire coming from the switch. When the temp hits around 200 the switch closes and grounds the wire. This activates the fan. You can test the wire by grounding it. Even with the key off.
City driving can present another problem. The switch on the engine block, passenger side between 4 and 6. A single wire that plugs into the switch. When the wire comes out or the switch goes bad will not turn the fan on. You have to turn on the AC to keep you out of trouble.
well the way you can check the hose is to look directly at it and give the car a couple of wot, if you se it collapse then you need to replace your hose. they usually fail from the inside out. next you need to look at the inside of your radiator, if its looks like rust on the inside and all gunkt up you need to raplace it. and lastly if your radiator looks ok from the inside you nee to go ahead and remove the radiator and clean between the radiator and the condenser, there is lots of trash there
and also make sure you blow of the radiator with a compressed air from the fan side of the radiator to get all of the dirt and stuff there out, then hit it with the water hose. hope this helps
This is probably my problem. It just start earlier today while I was on my way to my friends house. I was cruising at 60 for a few miles (it was 98 degrees out) and all of the sudden my temp gauge shot up and it seemed like my car lack power. When I got to his house the engine was hot! Fans work, radiator has fluid so it must be the hose.
I have one thing to add to this video. make sure all the plastic panels are on the sides and the top as well as the air dam. if any of these pieces are missing the air will not be directed through the radiator, but around it. The faster you go the more it will get hot. My 87 is this way from an accident all of those pieces are broken. It will get a little hot not really overheating, but just hotter than it should at highway speeds.
If it is an automatic, i look to see if the transmission is shifting good and if the fluid is ok. Next i move on to the frame, make sure there is no damage. Pre 90's tend to have the frame crack around the steering box. Next check if if the fans are wired stock and that they work. Thats abou it, anything else is easy fix.
Get rid of the plastic grill, and replace it with either an aluminum aftermarket replacement, or one from an IROC-Z; these will allow way better air flow.
Honestly, I think the biggest overheating problem is with automatics. Once you separate the transmission from the radiator and give it its own cooler, everything cools down. Normally, you check for leaks. Check to see if the fluid is passing through the system (replace the thermostat), and Make sure that the fan(s) work. +++MONEY: If thats not enough, you can get a higher flow water pump and even a larger radiator. Get a shroud and new high speed fans. You can also overdrive the pulleys if you want to dig into a bit of geometry and update all of that. But in my experience, the transmission needs to be separated from it. It took me three transmissions to figure it out, but that was to save my transmission. :P
Good video but usually if the hose collapses it's because the radiator is clogged up. the water pump is trying to pump the water thru and if there isn't proper flow changing the hose is only prolonging the issue. the old hose is soft that's why is sucks in. have radiator professionally cleaned or replace.
Donald Martin You are right, and the transmission cooler was leaking into the radiator, that's why I had reduced flow, with is probably why the hose was soft. transmission fluid does a number on rubber.
you will need a new flywheel, clutch kit, clutch pedals, master cylinder, slave cilynder, your t5 with the torque arm tail shaft, a shift boot for when you cut the hole for the shifter. the hardest part of the wholw swap is putting the spedals in. that preaty much sums everuthing up.@jamiebrumbaugh1986
Sounds like the fans are not working. Turn on the A/C to see if they come on. if the A/C dose not work. check the fuse and swap the relays for known good ones. You can also use a volt meter to see if you are getting battery voltage at the motors when the fans are commanded on by the computer.
Clean car man! I've got an 83 Trans Am with the LU5 Crossfire package. Love these cars, but it's always something that needs help :) One day, i will have gone through all of it
I run 80% Coolant additive (Anti Freeze) & i have a 400SB. I also run twin Electric fans on a thermistat. I just fitted a R154 5 Speed Manual to my Berlinetta Camaro.
and never, never add water to your cooling system. No matter what the salesman tells you. He will be happy to sell you parts because your old ones wore out because of rust in the system.
im having OH probs with my 86 camaro, ive not done this test yet but will why does it do this and does a new hose fix it? ive had a new thermo, but suspected it was waterpump, the heater matrix has been bypassed too but has been for 2 and a half yrs, only really now having a bad OH prob.
It does have a shroud. I think that the biggest problem is that when something goes wrong with the cooling system. People just take the lazy route and straigt wire the fan. Or remove the thermostat. But what ended up being my problem was the transmission cooler leaks into the radiator causing the radiator to clog and not cool efficiently.
man thank you so much for making this video it the one thing i never even considered after just doing a full cooling system overhaul flush , new fluid with a bottle and a half water weeters , new upper rad hose and thermostat, new rad cap and i even deleted the heater core just loopoed the hoses together i,m going to check for this tomorrow thanks for the info dbbasshunter
I have the same car except auto-trans and this didn't work. I have replaced the radiator and thermo and added fans. Even with a solid aluminum, radiator with dual 80w fans, it is still overheating (>235). Yes, the bottom air dam is in place, I did add fans in front of the condenser too though and had to remove some of the inner air damns, but it looks like air should still flow ok. I'm replacing both hoses now. I'm using the 180 thermo.
Nice paint man, wondering if you could help. 90 rs 305 TBI 215k but strong motor with a fresh master tune up. New ECU with epromm. New 700r4 tranny with 2k. It stalls when in gear, or when i put the AC on in park or neutral. It won't idle with rpms lower than 1100. I changed the PVC valve and idle air control (IAC) sensor before the tune up and it ran good for just 1 start up. I do need to change the 02 sensor but doubt that's the idling issue. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot
What temp so these cars run at normally? I changed the thermo stat and water pump on my 89 iroc and the temp still be creepin up on me til like 225 and i had the 2nd fan wired so that when 1st fan kicks in the 2nd one kicks on
how did u get your cap to stick on your steering wheel i have the same kind u do after all the Nuts are Tight its nothing to hold on that cap besides super glue how u do yours?
I'm looking to buy a 87 - 92 camaro (not 91 due to starting issues) any recommendations when buying a v8 3rd gen like what to look for? I'm looking at Craigslist camaros
idle air control and/or tps censor. also im sure you probley did but make sure the new ecu is for a 90-92 305 tbi. in 1990 gm switched to a speed density system so pre 90 will not work, also make sure its for tbi and not tpi, also for a 305 not a 350. finally make the ecu is programed for an auto trans. if none of that works head over to a forum called thirdgen.org its all 3rd gen (82-92) Camaros/firebirds/trans-am.
my fan isnt spinning in my 3rd gen. I know the guy might have wired it weird or something because the radiator fan would automatically come on when i put it in accessory. Any ideas? Im sol.
Joseph Baugher I just fixed that same issue yesterday. I changed out the radiator cooling fan pigtail and radiator fan motor. Works like a charm! Did you ever find out what it was?
My gues is that the temperature switch went out. And whoever had the car before you decided to wire it straight to the heater blower. So when you turn on the heat or ac the fan comes on. Just follow the wire from the fan and you shoul find we it has been straight wired to the heater blower. Good luck
Rene Pina Check your radiator, if it looks like it has grease buildup, then the transmission cooler inside the radiator is leaking trans fluid into the radiator causing it to overheat because it is clogged. but make sure the fan comes on too.
Check my other vids, i made one tittled t5 swap disasembly. I run throught the main points in doing the swap as well as some measurement of cuts that have to be made.
11 years and you are still helping people out man. Thank you brother!
So I put a rigid lower radiator hose on my 89 and it is now running cooler than it ever has. As a matter of fact it might be too cold because I put a 160 degree thermostat and a cool switch in a long time ago trying to fix the overheating issue. In the 12 years I've owned this car, you are the first person to ever suggest the lower radiator hose needs to be replaced. You're a genius kid.
I have an 87 GTA that I've owned for over 20yrs. I figured this out a few years after I bought it. I installed a set of $1,000. Flex-a-Lite dual fans and a 160 thermostat. Also installed a fan switch from summit racing that turns the fans on @185 and off @170. Still wanted to run a little high. So, I noticed this about the lower radiator hose and installed one with a wire coil inside it, problem solved! The factory fan switch doesn't turn them on til 219 degrees. That's way too hot! They did this for gas mileage purposes.
Ok, so I own a 91 z28 and for any of yall out there with a F-Body Camaro then you may not know that 230° F dose not mean your car is running hot, actually GM stated in 1980s that 210° to 230° is perfectly normal. Now I have done and engine swap on mine recently and I've changed my bottom radiator hose, and mine runs normally between 180° & 210° and the reason I changed my radiator hose is because it busted while I was driving. Hope this helps
good thing you didn't mention the fan switch by the starter. It is a single wire coming from the switch. When the temp hits around 200 the switch closes and grounds the wire. This activates the fan. You can test the wire by grounding it. Even with the key off.
Yup. Nice tip. Remember to get a lower rad hose with inner wire support inside. Also shine a flashlight into car so we can see:)
City driving can present another problem. The switch on the engine block, passenger side between 4 and 6. A single wire that plugs into the switch. When the wire comes out or the switch goes bad will not turn the fan on. You have to turn on the AC to keep you out of trouble.
I was wondering what that was it was hanging out of my voter I want to plug in and it the plastic disintegrated
well the way you can check the hose is to look directly at it and give the car a couple of wot, if you se it collapse then you need to replace your hose. they usually fail from the inside out. next you need to look at the inside of your radiator, if its looks like rust on the inside and all gunkt up you need to raplace it. and lastly if your radiator looks ok from the inside you nee to go ahead and remove the radiator and clean between the radiator and the condenser, there is lots of trash there
Raid coil spring from another lower hose, inspect old hose, insert spring & reinstall, finish beer before it gets warm.
and also make sure you blow of the radiator with a compressed air from the fan side of the radiator to get all of the dirt and stuff there out, then hit it with the water hose. hope this helps
Make sure the air dam iis in place, this is also a cause of overheating at highway speeds.
Good call on the hose collapsing 🤙
This is probably my problem. It just start earlier today while I was on my way to my friends house. I was cruising at 60 for a few miles (it was 98 degrees out) and all of the sudden my temp gauge shot up and it seemed like my car lack power. When I got to his house the engine was hot! Fans work, radiator has fluid so it must be the hose.
I have one thing to add to this video. make sure all the plastic panels are on the sides and the top as well as the air dam. if any of these pieces are missing the air will not be directed through the radiator, but around it. The faster you go the more it will get hot. My 87 is this way from an accident all of those pieces are broken. It will get a little hot not really overheating, but just hotter than it should at highway speeds.
I'm having the same issue. Some of those pieces you're talking about are missing on my 86 z28 305
Glad i could help bro!!! yea third gens!!!!!!:)
If it is an automatic, i look to see if the transmission is shifting good and if the fluid is ok. Next i move on to the frame, make sure there is no damage. Pre 90's tend to have the frame crack around the steering box. Next check if if the fans are wired stock and that they work. Thats abou it, anything else is easy fix.
Get rid of the plastic grill, and replace it with either an aluminum aftermarket replacement, or one from an IROC-Z; these will allow way better air flow.
I couldn't see it, but thanks for explaining how it collapses. Good to know.
Honestly, I think the biggest overheating problem is with automatics. Once you separate the transmission from the radiator and give it its own cooler, everything cools down. Normally, you check for leaks. Check to see if the fluid is passing through the system (replace the thermostat), and Make sure that the fan(s) work. +++MONEY: If thats not enough, you can get a higher flow water pump and even a larger radiator. Get a shroud and new high speed fans. You can also overdrive the pulleys if you want to dig into a bit of geometry and update all of that. But in my experience, the transmission needs to be separated from it. It took me three transmissions to figure it out, but that was to save my transmission. :P
Makes sense, the trans is heating too so its gonna make it warmer. I need to cut my trans lines and go manual.
That is a great suggestion, and they aren't that expensive. Not sure where I should mount it though. In front of the condenser?
You can buy a Spring to put inside of the hose so it wouldn't close shut,or you can get stainless steel radiator hose
Where did you get that steering wheel? That thing is bad ass. Thanks
305 91 firebird coolant boiling in the coolant tank. 42k miles
Good video but usually if the hose collapses it's because the radiator is clogged up. the water pump is trying to pump the water thru and if there isn't proper flow changing the hose is only prolonging the issue. the old hose is soft that's why is sucks in. have radiator professionally cleaned or replace.
Donald Martin You are right, and the transmission cooler was leaking into the radiator, that's why I had reduced flow, with is probably why the hose was soft. transmission fluid does a number on rubber.
most lower rad hoses have a big metal spring that goes threw them to prevent the from collapsing.
you will need a new flywheel, clutch kit, clutch pedals, master cylinder, slave cilynder, your t5 with the torque arm tail shaft, a shift boot for when you cut the hole for the shifter. the hardest part of the wholw swap is putting the spedals in. that preaty much sums everuthing up.@jamiebrumbaugh1986
Sounds like the fans are not working. Turn on the A/C to see if they come on. if the A/C dose not work. check the fuse and swap the relays for known good ones. You can also use a volt meter to see if you are getting battery voltage at the motors when the fans are commanded on by the computer.
Thanks Carnal, This Video Came In Handy With My 35O iRoc Maro, Goodlookin' Out Player!!
Clean car man! I've got an 83 Trans Am with the LU5 Crossfire package. Love these cars, but it's always something that needs help :) One day, i will have gone through all of it
I run 80% Coolant additive (Anti Freeze) & i have a 400SB. I also run twin Electric fans on a thermistat.
I just fitted a R154 5 Speed Manual to my Berlinetta Camaro.
Good video. Just did motor swap old 305 was gettin hot. New 350 same found was the old lower hose. Definitely a first to check
and never, never add water to your cooling system. No matter what the salesman tells you. He will be happy to sell you parts because your old ones wore out because of rust in the system.
im having OH probs with my 86 camaro, ive not done this test yet but will why does it do this and does a new hose fix it? ive had a new thermo, but suspected it was waterpump, the heater matrix has been bypassed too but has been for 2 and a half yrs, only really now having a bad OH prob.
Very good video young man ..take care of that car 🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍
The issue with the 3rd gens is the front grill flowed very poorly, and the fan doesn't have a shroud.
It does have a shroud. I think that the biggest problem is that when something goes wrong with the cooling system. People just take the lazy route and straigt wire the fan. Or remove the thermostat. But what ended up being my problem was the transmission cooler leaks into the radiator causing the radiator to clog and not cool efficiently.
dbbasshunter
My 92 doesn't have a shroud at all.
30% of the Radiator is open.
This would be easily solved with a LS1 swap though.
3rd Gen Guy I got a 86 Camaro and is running hot
The problem is the wrong water pump was installed. It’s supposed to have a reverse rotation pump, cools the heads first then the block
So I'm guessing the thing to do is to get a lower radiator hose with the metal wire inside so that it can't collapse, right?
man thank you so much for making this video it the one thing i never even considered after just doing a full cooling system overhaul flush , new fluid with a bottle and a half water weeters , new upper rad hose and thermostat, new rad cap and i even deleted the heater core just loopoed the hoses together i,m going to check for this tomorrow thanks for the info dbbasshunter
nice vid man. where did you get the intake to the tbi?
How did you do the 5 speed swap what all do I need
I want to swap mine too. I hate automatics. Manuals are so much more fun
Well I'd like to know too??
I have the same car except auto-trans and this didn't work. I have replaced the radiator and thermo and added fans. Even with a solid aluminum, radiator with dual 80w fans, it is still overheating (>235). Yes, the bottom air dam is in place, I did add fans in front of the condenser too though and had to remove some of the inner air damns, but it looks like air should still flow ok. I'm replacing both hoses now. I'm using the 180 thermo.
what was the fix?
no problem, thanks for watching
thanks, and i got the intake from ebay. just type in tbi intake@lp502
Nice paint man, wondering if you could help.
90 rs 305 TBI 215k but strong motor with a fresh master tune up. New ECU with epromm. New 700r4 tranny with 2k.
It stalls when in gear, or when i put the AC on in park or neutral. It won't idle with rpms lower than 1100. I changed the PVC valve and idle air control (IAC) sensor before the tune up and it ran good for just 1 start up. I do need to change the 02 sensor but doubt that's the idling issue. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot
its an off brand. i got it from ebay. just type in "tbi" intake.
What temp so these cars run at normally? I changed the thermo stat and water pump on my 89 iroc and the temp still be creepin up on me til like 225 and i had the 2nd fan wired so that when 1st fan kicks in the 2nd one kicks on
Wow. My 86 305 only has one fan. That's odd.
how did u get your cap to stick on your steering wheel i have the same kind u do after all the Nuts are Tight its nothing to hold on that cap besides super glue how u do yours?
I'm looking to buy a 87 - 92 camaro (not 91 due to starting issues) any recommendations when buying a v8 3rd gen like what to look for? I'm looking at Craigslist camaros
idle air control and/or tps censor.
also im sure you probley did but make sure the new ecu is for a 90-92 305 tbi. in 1990 gm switched to a speed density system so pre 90 will not work, also make sure its for tbi and not tpi, also for a 305 not a 350. finally make the ecu is programed for an auto trans.
if none of that works head over to a forum called thirdgen.org its all 3rd gen (82-92) Camaros/firebirds/trans-am.
Do you have dual fans ? Only one turns on my car . How do you make both turn on ?
How to the swap from manual 5speed to an automatic
Hi. Thats awesome. Love your car. I have an 89 with v6. I would love to know how to make it a five speed
Thanks, very good info.
Hey where can I buy the air intake you have on your car ?
what all did you need for the swap looking into one it's auto wanna swap it tho
How much did your five speed swap cost
What kind of transmission r u using
Just bought one fan not working . Thanks .
What all did u have to do for 5 speed swap??
My coolant flows through with no stopping. It even happens when I first start it. Can you help me?
Does your car have a thermostat ? If not the coolent is constantly moving and doesn't stay in the radiator long enough to be cooled
What type of clutch set up did you use?
Adam Coleman got2 be some alarm start up. Or rewired trick system so reads clutch. Wonder if able start on gear with out clutch or break
who did your 5 speed swap
nice air intake. .. where you get it at...
+carlos martinez I got it from ebay...just search TBI cold air intake.
carlos martinez waste of time run a open element
Next time use a flashlight because we only assume me what you're saying
good video very helpful
The common problem with these cars is that tbi 305
were u get u air intake
Okay I have a 1987 trans am and it overheats dont know what to check
hey man what kinda intank is that? is it like an upgraded one cuz it for sure dont look stock
Yea its an upgrade. I got it from ebay.
i was ganna buy one but it wont add any performance would it?
It wont add to the performance but looks better than the stock one.
true aha
does it make it sound louder or better?
my fan isnt spinning in my 3rd gen. I know the guy might have wired it weird or something because the radiator fan would automatically come on when i put it in accessory. Any ideas? Im sol.
Joseph Baugher I just fixed that same issue yesterday. I changed out the radiator cooling fan pigtail and radiator fan motor. Works like a charm! Did you ever find out what it was?
My fan only works when I have the heater on I camt figure out why..when I turn it off the car over heats please help : -(
My gues is that the temperature switch went out. And whoever had the car before you decided to wire it straight to the heater blower. So when you turn on the heat or ac the fan comes on. Just follow the wire from the fan and you shoul find we it has been straight wired to the heater blower. Good luck
thanks bro.
how much does the hose cost
Probably around 15 dollars
I have an 83 2.8 it over heats I canged the thirmastat but steal over heats could it be the same problem
Rene Pina Check your radiator, if it looks like it has grease buildup, then the transmission cooler inside the radiator is leaking trans fluid into the radiator causing it to overheat because it is clogged. but make sure the fan comes on too.
the car is Manuel not automatic just change thermostat but still overheats
and it doesn't have an electric fan is a clutch fan
make sure the fan is not spinning backwards. when the clutch goes bad the fan tends to spin backwards.
thanks bro
Whats your email. Want info on the 5-speed swap.
Chevy MADE yeah, I need to know too.
Word. Me too db what up?
How to do a 5 speed swap i have automatic v8
Check my other vids, i made one tittled t5 swap disasembly. I run throught the main points in doing the swap as well as some measurement of cuts that have to be made.
I will upload videos of my 86 Camaro someone please help me
water pump
hey bro what kind of steering wheel is that
Michael Byrne honestly bro, i do not know. came with the car
that sucks looks good tho thks
Michael Byrne its a grant GT steering wheel, i recognize it :)
thk u i wasnt sure but sweet
Michael Byrne (Part #502 Classic Cruisn') heres the exact part number