New build in a 72 C10. Engine was refreshed with all new gaskets. 6.0 LQ9 with 243 heads. Summit 8714-1 cam, long tubes and a TBSS intake. Volvo XC90 PWM fan running wide open for now through a Champion three row radiator. 160-degree Motorad stat brand new. Drive by wire using Terminator X Max. Its running on the initial set up as the truck is largely apart for body work. So, upon start up the engine quickly climbs to fan temp at 190 in about three minutes, the fan comes on and the temp continues to climb until I shut it down. It's been up to 220. I'm new at the term X but the idle timing seems low, its idling between 9 and 12 degrees. Also, the heater hoses are running through the heater so no stoppage there.

 

pull the thermostat out and put it in boiling water, see if it's opening all the way. brand new unfortunately doesnt always equal working

 

Are you running the steam ports or are they plugged? At the very least I'd run the front ports and route them into the radiator or water pump. Also, make sure you don't have an air pocket. I've had projects where I had to keep squeezing the radiator hoses and finally it burped the air pocket out. I've also driven on a steeper part of my hard or jacked the nose up to get the air out.

 

I am running the factory front ports to the radiator. I placed the front tires on my four-post lift and raised them as much as I dared to check the water.

 

Turn your heater on it its hooked up and see if the vents blow warm. If not, you have air trapped in the system. If you don't have the heater hooked up, remove the top radiator hose at the radiator and hold it vertical. pour coolant in the hose till you see the coolant coming out of the top radiator hose neck on the radiator.

 

Tried that earlier today. Heat is working. I'll pull the T-stat in the morning and test it.

 

So on my LS swaps I drill 4? 1/8" holes in the thermostat flange so you get some coolant flow while the engine is cold.
Per the ECM fan on at 205 and off at 195.
But I finally broke down and bought a vacuum radiator purge thing from Harbor Freight. It sucks all the air out of the engine and radiator. Works like a million bucks. I think I paid $80 about 5-6 years ago.
You would have to check but Oreilly's may "loan" you one at no cost.

 

That timing does seem pretty low, I'd want it a little closer to 18-20. Just watch your MAP sensor readout and move timing upward until you get the lowest value, then it should be about right.

 

Top hose getting hot ?
With cap off radiator, start motor, watch for water flow after T-stat opens.
Is it a new water pump ? Is it the right rotation ?

 

So, back on it today. I did not mention I have two temp sensors, one in the driver's head for the Term X and one in the passenger for the Intelletronix dash. The intelletronix was reading higher before. I drained the water, replaced the thermostat with a new one and re-routed the steam line to a new location in the top of the water pump in a tapped hole. It was going to the radiator but had an indirect route. I tested the first new thermostat that I removed, and it opened in boiling water but seemed sluggish. I refilled the radiator and now the opposite head with the Term X is hotter. I'm thinking I have air pockets.

 

Sounds like it

 

If it heats up that quick it's 100% an air pocket.

 

Fixed, as I said earlier I changed the thermostat and moved the steam line to the water pump. I picked up a Hasbro Freight burping funnel and got almost another gallon in. She's running steady now. Thanks for the help.