I recently purchased an 84 280GE LWB. The vehicle has an aftermarket A/C unit. I've noticed that during some of these hot summer days, the vehicle runs hot when the A/C is on- by hot I mean the temp gauge needle comes very close the red zone. I should note that most of my trips on these days have not been long enough to give the gauge a chance to go into the red. This is, however, a bit disconcerting. I am aware of what this can signal with other types of vehicles. Is this common for G's of this vintage, or do I need to be concerned.

Apperciate any comments or suggestions.

Otherwise, I love my vehicle.

Thanks for the reply Dutch.

At this time I don't know the answer to your question. I will check under the hood and get back to you.

The first time this happened, I called the mechanic who worked on the vehicle for the prior eight years. I told him the vehicle was running hot with A/C working. He told me this wasn't a problem. The radiator (also an aftermarket addition) was installed by this mechanic within the past three years.

DUTCH is right, an aftermarket radiator may not do the trick. I had a factory AC installed on my previous 300GE, the kit included a new BEHR radiator for increased cooling. You can not go by size or rows on these as you can with grandpas Olds 98. For example my Unimog has a tiny radiator, yet it cools a 5.7L diesel in tropical conditions under rediculous loads. Your G needs a factory designed radiator to cool properly, they are of a unique specification.

If you do have a BEHR radiator that seems to fit properly, look into the cooling fan operation. Often times aux fans run constantly when the AC is on to improve engine and cabin cooling.

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1995 G320
1984 280GE
1971 Unimog 416

Thanks for your input.

Dutch, I do have an aux fan behind front grill, and no it does not come on when engine gets past 12 o'clock in temp gauge (as happened today, with an outside air temp of approx 86 degrees, temp gauge hit just past 3/4 mark). When the a/c is shut off, or the outside air temp is not that hot, the temp gauge stays at or below 12 o'clock.

G-Man, I do have a BEHR a/c unit, but don't know if aftermarket radiator is BEHR.

What would you two recommend- 1) seeking out a factory designed radiator (if so, any info on sources and part numbers); 2) ask mechanic to repair/hookup aux fan; or 3) both?

I would like to do whatever is necessary to maintain this vehicle in great condition. Unfortunately, cost must be considered.

Again, thanks a great deal for your advice.

If the fan does not come on, definately fix that first. If that is the problem I am sure you can remain within a budget. It is probably just a relay or thermal switch. I do think that the fan should come on early with the AC on. You do need to make sure it does come on with the AC. If you do not keep the condensor cool the pressures in the system can get high and damage the AC components.

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1995 G320
1984 280GE
1971 Unimog 416