John,

The overheating problem is probabbly due to air in the system from your recent
engine swap. Go ahead and flush/bleed the system as described in the archives
and see if the problem persists.

Mike

John H. Rodgers wrote:

> -- [ From: John H. Rodgers * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
>
> Just replaced my '85 GL with an '88 GL. The '88 is running hot. The '85GL
> never got hot except when Sstuck in traffic on the freeway on a very hot
> summer day, and then the temp needle never got past the coolant level
> warning light. And secondary cooling fans came on only very rarely.
>
> The '88 GL temp needle ALWAYS runs with the  the bottom edge of the needle
> parked touching the top edge of the coolant level warning light. As soon as
> the engine is started and begins to warm up, up the needle goes. It will
> often run with the temp needle slightly higher than that . And the secondary
> cooling fan cycles regularly. This is not good. Something is out whack, but
> what I just don't know. I haven't yet flushed the system. Just haven't been
> able to get to it yet. I replaced the pully belts, Hoped the new water pump
> belt would help. The old one was really in bad shape and loose. But hasn't
> seemd to help.
>
> I plan to replace the thermostat, but would like to run with out  a
> thermostat for just a bit. Anyone see any problems with that. I am ordering
> an OEM thermostat but need to run it while until the new 'stat gets here.
> Just don't want to damage anything.
>
> I am open to suggestions and comments.
>
> Thanks
>
> John Rodgers
> --