Coolant Recovery Tank Flowing & Low Operating Coolant Temperature

[Stewey956]

Hey everyone,

Been having some cooling system related issues lately and this one I can't quite figure out.

*2004 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 4x4 FLEX 5.3L Vortec V8 - Mechanical Fan*

1. Radiator tank cracked and pegged the gauge at 260 <60 seconds before pulling over
2. Replaced with OE-style GM3010275 radiator; 34"L x 17.25"H x 1"W (Thickness of core)
3. Temperature would not rise past the 180* mark
4. Figured thermostat was stuck and swapped in Murray Thermostat 45687 with "OE Recommended Temperature" of 187* (Surprise to me as the vehicle operated around the 205* mark before)
5. Filled with plain water and Redline WaterWetter at 1oz per qt in the cooling system
6. Burped system by running heat with recovery tank cap off for ~10min
7. Maintains fluid level in recovery tank, but shows flow immediately even after cold start
8. Vents blow hot to the touch

My questions are: Should you see flow in the recovery tank while the car is cool? And if not, is something else defective or stuck? Is that line a feeder from the radiator to the recovery tank?

This is something I tried to research and clear up before going the next step and buying a new temperature sensor for the block, but failed.

Really appreciate y'all's time

Video to support the story:

Old thermostat:

 

[Doubeleive]

most likely your replacement non-oem radiator is missing the constrictor that prevents to much flow into the coolant reservoir tank, while the truck is running look and see if you see coolant flowing into the reservoir from the radiator, you can try pinching the hose with a clamp or find something that will fit inside the hose to constrict the flow, some of these cheap aftermarket radiators are not so great

 

[Stewey956]

This issue is related to the construction of the new radiator and not a missing part? It was very cheap so it makes sense if that's the case.

Is the flow you are mentioning what I captured at 0:58 of the video? I didn't notice it doing that until after the rad swap.

Would clamping this hose to prevent flow into the reservoir from the radiator possibly solve my low operating temp issue?

 

[Doubeleive]

This issue is related to the construction of the new radiator and not a missing part? It was very cheap so it makes sense if that's the case.

Is the flow you are mentioning what I captured at 0:58 of the video? I didn't notice it doing that until after the rad swap.

Would clamping this hose to prevent flow into the reservoir from the radiator possibly solve my low operating temp issue?

yes, I would make it so it only dribbles at best

 

[Stewey956]

Thanks for the quick responses @Doubeleive !!

I'm off to go find something suitable for clamping this.

 

[Stewey956]

Not pretty, but it did the trick. Was able to reach 205* or thereabouts.

My only concern now is restricting it too much and causing some other malfunction.

 

[afpj]

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/engine-not-reaching-operating-temperature.108432/page-7

see post 65 for how someone else did it

 

[Stewey956]

Would be worth a trip to the plumbing section to find a more future proof method such as that. Thank you for the reference!

 

[SnowDrifter]

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/engine-not-reaching-operating-temperature.108432/page-7

see post 65 for how someone else did it

Aaaaand the first post I see is me bitching about something



Glad to hear it's resolved, OP

 

[Jeff Groves]

Not pretty, but it did the trick. Was able to reach 205* or thereabouts.

My only concern now is restricting it too much and causing some other malfunction.

View attachment 221662

That is guaranteed to have you broke down along side the road at a future date.
The hose clamp will eat through the hose as it expands and shrinks.