1954 Overheating

[Peter K.]

My '54 #47 is constantly overheating, making it un-enjoyable to drive, or not wanting to drive it at all. Just finished the body-off. Barn car with only 56,000 original miles. Rebuilt head only so I could use unleaded gas. Anybody have any suggestions??? There is a plate between the heat riser and the manifold, looks to have been original, if this was removed would it help?

Thanks, Peter Krog

[Duke W.]

Re: 1954 Overheating

Did you have the radiator tanks removed for a thorough inspection of the core and a rod out?

Duke

[Peter K.]

Re: 1954 Overheating

The radiator was taken to a local shop and tested, everthing checked out OK

[Duke W.]

Re: 1954 Overheating

You didn't answer my question, probably because you've fallen into the "radiator shop testing trap". "Testing" the radiator is meaningless. If it flows and doesn't leak a radiator shop usually say it's okay, but that says nothing about the radiator's ability to function as a heat exchanger. Your car is nearly fifty years old and the history of the radiator is probably unknown. In fact, as a "barn car with low mileage, the radiator is likely original and has never been overhauled. If it sat in the barn with liquid in the cooling system the radiator probably has lots of deposit buildup, which is acting an insulator. The only way to verify radiator performance is to diassemble it for a visual inspection. If there are deposits in the tubes, they can be removed by rodding them out.

You are fortunate that brass radiators can be overhauled as long as the tubes are not perforated. The aluminum radiators are not reparable. Once they clog up the only choice is to replace them, because they cannot be disassembled and reassembled in the field.

Duke

[Peter K.]

Re: 1954 Overheating

Thanks I will pull it out and try your suggestions. Does the Plate as noted in my original message make a difference?

Peter

[Duke W.]

Re: 1954 Overheating

I'm not familiar enough with the early six cylinder engine to answer your queston about the "plate", but a malfunctioning heat riser system could certainly cause overheating. You should determine that the heat riser is functioning properly before you pull the radiator, but someone who knows the six will have to assist you with the heat riser/plate question.

Duke

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1954 Overheating

The block off plate you refer to is original. It should have no effect on engine overheating, as it just keeps the exhaust manifold heat from percolating fuel in the intake manifold.

The heat riser should be in the "always open" position. It is non functional, and was set with the spring "backwards" to keep it open at all times. I agree with Duke. Tear out the radiator and "rod" it out. My 54 runs cool at all times with an original, recored radiator. Chuck

[Larry M.]

Re: 1954 Overheating

After you have the radiator cleaned or replaced be sure you have the fan blades installed correctly. I know of a restoration where the fan was installed backwards on a 54 and obviously it would not pull air across the radiator.