83 V65: Runs hotter than normal

[dfriedel]

My V65 has been running a little hotter than normal over the last several months - never bad enough to get really worried and it was very intermittent, but now it's happening more often although still doesn't overheat.

Normally: Since I've had it, it's always run 3-4 blocks, even in the summer.  I have a fan override switch installed, will flip it on if I'm in traffic or stopping a lot.

Now: I'll ride into work, 40-50 degree temps and I'm running 4-5 blocks all the time, fan on constantly.  Then, I'll often run 3 blocks all the way home in the afternoon when the temp has gone up 15 or more degrees.  Today I was running 4-5 blocks on the way in and temp was probably about 60 degrees.  I have not gone over 5 blocks, so not even up next to red zone, but just want to get it cleaned up.

The radiator was flushed and coolant replaced back in August.  

What would be the best place to start, assuming the intermittent nature suggests a particular problem?  Or should I just replace the thermostat now and see what happens since it's not much money and probably hasn't been done previously.

Thanks,

[MagnaDaddy]

I'm in the midst of replacing head gaskets on my ride all because the radiator cap was BAD.....    slow leak eventually got her hot enough to blow a gasket.  

Have that cap checked ASAP.

Thermostat is probably a good guess too.

[antman]

Thermostat and cap would be the best things to check.

Also take a double check and make sure all the air is out of the system.  Open the bleed by the thermostat and make sure the resivour is filled up.  Air in the system can do wierd things.

Instead of a manual switch you could replace it with a new fanstat switch, I think the PN is FS130 at Napa.  It is about 10 degrees cooler, screws right in, and with the '83 fits the exact connector you have.  I use it on mine and never run hotter than 4 blocks in the summer.

Good luck.  Hopefully someone can verify that PN on the fanstat.

[MagnaDaddy]

Check out this thread:

http://www.magnaownersoftexas.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=199