C1 Still Hot

[steve westphal]

I just finished re-ringing my '56 210 HP powerglide and it burns oil no more!!! But....it is running hotter than usual. It has always run hot but not quite this hot. I will add some water wetter again as I did before and it helped but there has to be a better way! It has a new repop radiator with what seems like good flow. Should I go to a fan with more blades? Also, I would like to put an overflow tank on it but need some advice as to what product I should look for. I spent 5 months in the hospital and almost died so it was wonderful to hit the road again in "Betty Lou" (why do we always name our cars after girls???). I guess Betty Lou must have been a "HOT" one!!!!! As always, you guys know best so I will be looking forward to your advice.

[John H.]

Re: C1 Still Hot

Steve -

Have you compared an I.R. gun shot of your upper radiator hose against the gauge reading at the same time so you know what the gauge is really telling you? You may not have an issue at all. Where did the repop radiator come from?

[Ray G.]

Re: C1 Still Hot

Hello Steve;
Do you really have problem? Independant tester? Actual temp?
Experience shows 90% of engine heating/cooling problems are "flow and/or pressure"
Does the problem get worse or better at 60 MPH?
Do you have the technology to pressurize the system through the temp. sending unit to check the cap?
Hope these questions give you an idea on how to proceed.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 Still Hot

agree with john. take an accurate reading of your cooling systems temp readings before declaring it sub-optimal. keep in mind a fresh engine will run a bit hotter than a run-in-engine with a couple K miles on it. mike

[dennis frey]

Re: C1 Still Hot

steve, above suggestions are good ones, but make sure your engine timeing is correct. i ll bet its too far retarded. re. d.

[Rex M.]

Re: C1 Still Hot

I have had real good luck running the high volume water pump from Stewart Components. I also used their high flow thermostat. While not correct for judging, that combination keeps my '62 340hp car running cool in southern California. You can find them at www.stewartcomponents.com

[Rob M.]

Re: C1 Still Hot

Drill a small hole (4mm) in your thermostate valve so you are sure you don't have any air trapped in your engine when you fill the system up while this valve is closed.

regards,
Rob.

[steve westphal]

Re: C1 Still Hot

Thanks guys. I did shoot the temp with a gun and the guage is correct. I will try your suggestions. Thanks.

[Pat H.]

Re: C1 Still Hot

I had the same problem with my 59. Check the heat riser valve. Mine wasn't opening enough and caused heating issues. I tied it open with some mechanics wire and the problem went away. I have since installed a new heat riser and it's still okay. Good Luck