I figured out why it was going wide open it was intact the return spring. This is a fresh rebuild and I was doing the break in period, and now I'm having another issue, the engine is overheating and the radiator is bubbling water out and making a thumping noise in it. The stock gage runs all the way to the "H". Both radiator hoses get warm but not hot and the water is the same way. Any thoughts? If I need to explain something better just ask thanks

 

What is the evidence of "the engine overheating"? From where is "the radiator bubbling water out"? How do you know the "water is warm but not hot"? Do you have a proper mixture of water/antifreeze in the engine?

Dennis

 

we'll basically I'm going off the gage and I had the cap off and the water was "burping" out of it and I felt the water and it was just warm and the antifreeze is about 50/50

 

What is your evidence the engine is overheating? Water will sometimes "burp" out of a radiator with the cap off. The water will be cooler in the radiator until it reaches engine temp. Why do you think it's overheating?

P.S. Put the cap on and report your results after 30 minutes run time.

Dennis

 

basically I'm going off to gauge that always seemed to work fine with my old engine

 

I understand that. What temp does your gauge read?

Dennis

 

it's the factory gage and it will almost hit the "H"

 

On my '78 the temp gauge sometimes would shoot up to 'H' for no particular reason. Scared the hell out me a few times till I got used to it.

Other than the gauge going to 'H' is there anything else that makes you think the engine is overheating? If not, put the cap on, run the engine for 30 mins. or so and see what happens. I wouldn't trust a factory gauge.

Dennis

 

alright I'll give it a shoot thanks a lot

 

With a fresh engine i would want to be certain its not overheating maybe do a temp install of a aftermarket temp gauge to see what the engine temp is actually running at, also again being a fresh engine air locks in the cooling system can be tough to get out. Another thought did you do the rebuild or somebody else with a 302 the water pumps can be possibly be miss matched ie standard or reverse rotation, they look the same and will bolt up

 

if you suspect it of overheating, I wouldn't run it for 30 minutes. Did you put a new thermostat in during the rebuild? Is it installed correctly?

 

I did the rebuild and I had no idea that there was a difference in water pumps, but would the water be moving if that was the case, cause the water is warm just not hot and the hoses are too and the water is moving around in the rad because it burps and let's water out the neck.

 

yes a new one in and yeah that will be my next step to see if it's right

 

Something seems odd you say the water/coolant is warm not hot but its overheating? as others have said recheck the basics t stat etc, but do keep in mind it is possible you have a reverse rotation water pump just circulating coolant throughout the rad and not the engine? I have used both style pumps depending on using v belt or a serp belt system, and they look identical except for the impeller

 

is there anyway I can tell if I have the reverse style pump? Other then taking it off of course