Hi all, On my 2006 GMC Savana 2500 with 125,000 miles, same as a Express. I had a leaking water pump so I replaced it along with the radiator top and lower hoses and main and a/c belt and both tensioners .
I looked on the u-tube and saw I needed to refill it from the top hose till it was running out the small port near the main refill opening. I did it. The first time I ran it, it over heated. I stopped it and added more coolant.
I'm wondering how the coolant gets into the block?? Oh I also replaced the thermostat. I have never seen it on the bottom hose before. It seems to be running a bit hot now.. Right around 190º or so.
I guess my question is what should the guage read on the temp? I also guess I missed a good time to change the timing belt or does it have a chain??
Thanks for looking,,

 

190F is slightly low. The owner's manual specifies the normal operating temps.

You don't need to touch the timing chain, and it has nothing to do with the water pump anyway.

You can check the accessory/serpentine belt for wear though.

 

Thanks MMJ It's all done. I bought this van used and don't have a owners manual. I know the timing belt doesn't have anything to do with the water pump. It's just it's right there and if it breaks it's all over for the motor. I don't know if it's a belt or a chain?
If you think the temp should be 190º to 200º I should be good then.

 

If it breaks (it won't), then you just replace the chain and you're good to go again.

manuals can be downloaded online very easily by searching for "2006 GMC Savana owners manual"
Or, go to my.gm.com

 

I have the Chilton Manual and can't seem to find what the temp should be??

 

The 2006- 4.8 liter has a timing chain..
carry on,,,,,

 

Chilton is a repair manual by an aftermarket company. There is only one owner's manual and it's published by GM. It can be found by searching like I explained.

 

It should run at the temperature of the thermostat you installed. If you have a scanner I suspect you could read the actual temperature and confirm the real temperature instead of using the gauge.

 

what is "real temperature"?

 

The value that the computer is seeing. The value displayed on the dash is not so important and in some vehicles is operated by a 2nd sensor.