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1983 Scrambler "STUMP JUMPER". Frame off, 5.3 Conversion.

Make sure it's completely burped any air in the system. Mine had a similar issue until all the air was out. Also, on one of my hot rod LS swaps, I used an aftermarket billet water outlet that used an old style GM thermostat. Once I replaced that outlet and thermostat with the stock parts, the overheat went away. The way the cooling system is designed it needs that factory thermostat with the secondary "disc" that redirects heater coolant flow.

There is an updated knock sensor harness and I think sensors that go with it.
 
1. The "Logo" is a 5.3L VORTEC emblem that I am going to move on the fender.
2. CB, I am thinking and hoping that it is air in the system also. I noticed that the water level in the radiator was down almost two inches this morning so maybe it burped during the night.
3 I picked up two new knock sensors and a new harness at the local Chevrolet dealer this morning(I was robbed) and I hope to have these changed sometime today. I was also concerned about the transmission not shifting when I took a short test drive yesterday but then I realized that it was in Limp mode probably due to the knock sensor code.
 
It'll be a good idea to change the intake gaskets too since they have had a few revisions. Where is your coolant temp sensor?

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Long time coming. Nice job, and congratulations... looks and sounds awesome.
 
A lot of times they aren't accurate because there isn't much room between the adapter and the sender for the coolant to encircle the sender. Just a FYI.

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It's better today. I think it had air in the system and I have a mechanical gauge around here somewhere to double check it with. If not maybe I can hook up my wifi to the DTC and see what the App gauges look like on my iPad.
 
Nice video. Your so close you can taste it. A few more bugs to take care of and you'll be on the road.
 
Knock sensor replacement complete. The rear one came out in two pieces, problem solved, at least for now. Test drive #2 coming up tomorrow.
 
jammer1 said:
Nice video. Your so close you can taste it. A few more bugs to take care of and you'll be on the road.
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Speaking of my Video, I Guess I never realized I spoke with such a Cajun accent until I heard myself on the video. LOL
 
5.3 thermostat- just for reference-

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I had the right thermostat after all but after fighting over heating all day and I just waited for that big burp so the temps would fall but never did. So out of desperation I decided to waste some time and try another new thermostat and wouldn't you know it, the first one was bad even though it was brand new. So now it holds temp at 207 and normal is 210.
So short test drive #2 and the engine runs great and no DTC codes. Only one problem the transmission still doesn't want to shift. Now I must say so far I'm feeling pretty lucky. As all of you know I put a ton of after market parts into this truck which all seem so far to be working ok. You also may remember that I rolled the dice and purchased the engine and transmission from the salvage yard and looks like I did pretty good on the engine. Bottom line is if after all this work I end up needing to replace the tranny I will and still feel pretty fortunate. You can bet it will be a quality remanufactured one this time though. But I'll be looking into testing this one to make sure everything is communicating correctly before I just buy another one.

PS. Just for the heck of it I hooked up a cheap KIWI wifi to the OBDII and used a dashboard app on my iPhone just to see how it worked and I was amazed at all the information that it gave me. I'll be hooking one of these up permanently somewhere on the dash now. Can't beat the real time diagnostics.

PS #2. I might have only had 1st and 2nd gear and 2:73 gears but I can tell that with all this power I'll be buying a lot of tires for this Scrambler.:) :) :)
 
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You probably don't have an operational speed sensor so it stays in 2nd gear. Do you have a speed sensor in the t-case adapter?


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I've been thinking about that too. My TC has a JB conversions SYE with the sensor in it. I actually had some doubts about it when I hooked it up. I know it's one of the first things I need to check but at this point I have to admit I not sure what I'm looking for.
 
I am nothing but a lurker and have enjoyed following this thread. Nice job. I'm in Jackson MS and have my own LS Scrambler I'm building The primary difference is I plan on running a lengthened TJ frame and am looking to come visit and learn all the dos and don't beyond that! I picked up from Prairieville. I hope you don't start keeping track of cost by then as I'd like to not have t lie to my wife on how much these things costs!
 
robertlewisnet said:
I am nothing but a lurker and have enjoyed following this thread. Nice job. I'm in Jackson MS and have my own LS Scrambler I'm building The primary difference is I plan on running a lengthened TJ frame and am looking to come visit and learn all the dos and don't beyond that! I picked up from Prairieville. I hope you don't start keeping track of cost by then as I'd like to not have t lie to my wife on how much these things costs!
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Visitors are always welcomed at my place. I'm only one mile from I-10.
Dennis
Cell 225 715 1716
 
Dennis- will your WIFI diag check for speed sensor signal? Might be somewhere to start. In high range the VSS signal is the same if it's in the tailhousing or in the adapter. It's only only in low range that things get weird. With the sensor in your position (Stock), you just need to tell the computer when you're in low range- there should be a wire that gets grounded IIRC. Hopefully there was a tone ring installed on the JB output shaft...

Imagine that- a new part that's bad. Glad the overheating was that easy to figure out.
 
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