C1

[Ray Hoctor]

'61 overheats at stoplights. New radiator and engine flush, checked gage and thermostat. No help. Any suggestions?

[Terry D.]

Re: C1

Ray
You don't say if it boils over. What temperature does it get to? How did you check the gage? I had this problem with a 62 and it was in the timing. Check archives for articles by John Hickley on advance curves, he also wrote an excellant article for the Corvette Enthusiast last year on this subject, can't remember which issue, but someone else will probably be able to tell you. If not e-mail me and I will copy and send you a copy.
Terry

[Mike M.]

Re: C1

agree with terry as it could be a timing issue but first i'd check the temp sending unit which, to be accurate, should have ac delco stamped just above the treads. generic temp sending units(which lack any mfgr logos) notorious for giving fasly-elevated readings. mike

[Gene B.]

Re: C1

You did not indicate whether you have the fan shroud in place. My 58 did not have a fan shroud and would overheat whent he car was not moving. Hope this helps

[John H.]

Re: C1

Ray -

Assuming you have the correct radiator, shroud, fan, clutch, and seals in place, how did you "check" the gauge? Shoot the upper radiator hose just above the thermostat housing with an I.R. gun and compare that reading with the gauge reading at the same time so you know what the gauge is telling you. That's step #1 to determine if you really have a problem at all.

[John O.]

Re: C1

Hi Ray
This may sound stupid, but it happened to me with a truck I had.It overheated when sitting at a light.The problem turned out to be the fan.I bought my truck from a used car dealer and found that someone replaced the fan.My truck had a serpintine belt drive.Well the fans for serpintine and regular V belt are different.They are pitched opposite directions..Make sure you are not using the wrong fan.One way to tell is when your car is idling,put your hand in front of the radiator or grille.If you feel hot air blowing toward you,then it's your fan. If this is not the problem,check the gauge.Try installing a temporary gauge under the hood to see if it reads hot. Does your radiator boil over? If it does, then it's not your gauge.

Good luck....John

[Doug Flaten]

Re: C1

I had a overheating timing related issue on my Mustang that had two underlying problems. 1st, the harmondic balancer had slipped. Therefore it was indicating appropriate timing, it was not where it should have been. Second, the vacuum advance mechanism was not working resulting in retarded timing.
As Duke has previously posted. Disconnect your vacuum advance (if equipped), and watch the temps climb.
Doug