Engine cooling problem

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Maximus1

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My 04 LT 5.3L starts to overheat when it sits at idle with the A/C on. The only thing I’ve done so far is I installed a dual electric fans that pull a lot more air than the stock manual fan but even with this it still climbs in temperature. The only thing that I have changed to the cooling system is the fans. I have changed the thermostat to a lower temperature thermostat but it will still climb in temperature. Any other ideas? Could my radiator be clogged up? If so how can I unclog it? Granted it is hot outside, today it was 103 but even so I see other cars next to mine running and not over heating. I’ve really gotta try and correct this problem quickly because I have a medical condition that I’m not supposed to be in the heat or I could have a seizure. It starts over heating while I’m waiting on my son and daughter to get out of school. Any idea will be greatly appreciated and there’s no dumb idea I just really need this fixed and I’m at a loss.
 

swathdiver

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My 04 LT 5.3L starts to overheat when it sits at idle with the A/C on. The only thing I’ve done so far is I installed a dual electric fans that pull a lot more air than the stock manual fan but even with this it still climbs in temperature. The only thing that I have changed to the cooling system is the fans. I have changed the thermostat to a lower temperature thermostat but it will still climb in temperature. Any other ideas? Could my radiator be clogged up? If so how can I unclog it? Granted it is hot outside, today it was 103 but even so I see other cars next to mine running and not over heating. I’ve really gotta try and correct this problem quickly because I have a medical condition that I’m not supposed to be in the heat or I could have a seizure. It starts over heating while I’m waiting on my son and daughter to get out of school. Any idea will be greatly appreciated and there’s no dumb idea I just really need this fixed and I’m at a loss.

What kind of fans Tom and have you verified that both are running? It might be time for a new radiator and water pump. Still running Dexcool or the green stuff?
 

Doubeleive

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I would replace the radiator if it is 5yrs old or more and has not been flushed annually, while you are in there also clean the space between the radiator & a/c condenser and the front of the condenser, put the regular temp thermostat back in. I would NOT buy the cheapest radiator around the ultra cheap ones will just make more problems, your best bet is to get one from a stand alone radiator shop rather than the auto parts store if possible. the problem you are reporting sounds to me like a typical clogged radiator issue, you could try cleaning it with citric acid cleaners but it may not do much good at this point.
 
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