Even a big radiator has tiny passages. If the engine is full of gunk, a big radiator will still clog.
I'd suggest bypassing the heater core temporarily (so as to avoid damaging it), and having a radiator shop (or at least a shop that is set up to do a chemical flush of the cooling system, not just the garden hose type flush) go through the system.
If you're feeling energetic, pull the water pump and make sure it's not gunked up and that the impeller is actually in good shape. I've seen more than a few cars where the impeller came off the shaft, or the blades just eroded away (especially if they were low on coolant or had leaks to where they could cavitate).
Also check your timing. Sometimes if it's advanced a bit too far, aside from pinging, it can nudge the temperature higher.
Last but not least: just to be sure--it's actually overheating, and not just a gauge reading or a light coming on? I'm pretty sure you've verified that, but back when I was a mechanic i had more than one customer come in prepared for major cooling work and leave with a sensor or switch.
I'd suggest bypassing the heater core temporarily (so as to avoid damaging it), and having a radiator shop (or at least a shop that is set up to do a chemical flush of the cooling system, not just the garden hose type flush) go through the system.
If you're feeling energetic, pull the water pump and make sure it's not gunked up and that the impeller is actually in good shape. I've seen more than a few cars where the impeller came off the shaft, or the blades just eroded away (especially if they were low on coolant or had leaks to where they could cavitate).
Also check your timing. Sometimes if it's advanced a bit too far, aside from pinging, it can nudge the temperature higher.
Last but not least: just to be sure--it's actually overheating, and not just a gauge reading or a light coming on? I'm pretty sure you've verified that, but back when I was a mechanic i had more than one customer come in prepared for major cooling work and leave with a sensor or switch.
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