1990 Other Chevrolet Models rebuilding heads

1990 CHEVROLET
79,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JAM1521
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Hi, I have a 1990 airstream rv with chevy 454 p30. We had some problems with temp gauge rising about 2/3 way. Never pegged out on overheating. Temp would just rise and then go back to normal while driving. Took it for repairs, drove the mh there. when we picked up the MH we were charged over 2,000 to rebuild heads. I have been told that since the temp gauge went up and down, it was probably not the heads. The engine runs good, no smoking or water in oil. Does it sound to you like the heads needed to be rebuilt. Even after rebuilding the temp gauge still rises and then goes back to normal. PLEASE HELP
Nov 19, 2008 at 6:51 PM
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STRAILER
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Hi, the problem is the connection at the temp sender, if it is loose it will casue the temp gauge to rise and fall. Please check it and get back to me.
Nov 19, 2008 at 7:27 PM
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RASMATAZ
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What kind of tests did they perform to come into conclusion it was the heads- A block and pressure tests will indicate this

Rebuild heads for suspected as overheating problem. I find this hard to believe for both at the same time-maybe one of them. Who knows could be only a blown headgasket

It sounds more like thermostat and coolant temperature sensor acting up.
Nov 19, 2008 at 7:31 PM
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JAM1521
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They never gave us any diagnosis. They just rebuilt the heads. Can you tell me what you think about the engine not smoking and the rv driving fine. Does that sound like bad heads
Nov 19, 2008 at 7:36 PM
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RASMATAZ
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If the heads/gaskets were leaking-coolant will make its way to the combustion chamber burning along with gas and creating mixfire. Also if its the heads it will overheat quicker then you can blink an eye. Oil in coolant, coolant in oil and white smoke out of the exhaust big time.
Nov 19, 2008 at 7:44 PM
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STRAILER
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does it over heat?
Nov 19, 2008 at 7:44 PM
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JAM1521
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the temp gauge still rises about 2/3 way, never pegs out. just like it did before they rebuilt the heads, sometimes it will go back down to normal on its own, sometimes we have to pull over for no more than 10 or 15 minutes and the temp has gone down. Then again we can drive it sometimes up to 200 or 300 miles and the temp gauge never rises.
Nov 19, 2008 at 7:50 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Temp would just rise and then go back to normal while driving

While on the move do ever pulled over and check for boiled over or for leakage from the radiator/hoses for curiosity
Nov 19, 2008 at 7:52 PM
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JAM1521
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when we have had to pull over, we always checked the radiator and the overflow, and there is always water in both and we do not need to add any
Nov 19, 2008 at 7:55 PM
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RASMATAZ
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I don't think you can go 200/300 miles with a head problem.-maybe if we dream it
Nov 19, 2008 at 7:56 PM