Converted to Pertronix - now overheating - coincidence?

alvald83 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 05:39 PM

O.K., This is a strange one, just finished converting to the ignitor pointless system. After starting it and running it for a couple of minutes i noticed steam coming from the radiator overflow reservoir, it )hadn't been hot up to this piont.
I just bought this truck (1969 f-250 CS - 360ci w AC) a couple of weeks ago and have been driving every couple days to find any problems that need to be fixed. Like i mentioned, it hadn't been running hot up to this point, thats assuming the gauges are working.
The water pump pulley seems to squeel when cold, so i was thinking about changing the water pump just to be safe.
Do you think the Pertronix conversion could have somehow caused this or do you think this was just a coincidence?
Since i have your attention, i am also replacing heater hoses and heater valve which is located on one of the heater hoses.
The new valve has a direction flow arrow on it and im not sure what direction it should be pointing, im assuming it should be pointing towards the heater?
Question #2 What direction should the arrow be pointing?

Thanks once again guys, so far you are batting 3 for 3. Al

jfmaz · #2 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:23 AM

1. Maybe it has been slowly loosing fluid for the past few weeks. Was the fluid low when you checked?
Other than that, did you re-time after adding the petronix?

2. Arrow should point to the cab / heater core - if it is installed on the correct line - the pressure line and not the return line. If on the return line should be pointing toward the radiator. If your valve is like mine, it is basically a modified ball valve and wouldn't matter if it was installed backwards anyway. That is if it is like the one in my truck. If it has a back-check in it, then if it is in backwards on either line you won't get heat.

Danger_Dave · #3 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 08:27 PM

improper timing can cause a hotter condition. but sounds to me like your situation is extreme, and since you just got the truck, its likely a coincidence.

anderson sc · #4 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 08:35 PM

Being you just bought your truck, You'll fine there be many little bugs you have to work out. Yes it could get a little hotter than before because of better fuel use, but not to the point of overheating. May check your thermostat, could your radiator be getting pluged? And as jfmax said does it have enough water, after the motor has warmed up do you see water movement in radiator? Remember check for pressure when taking off radiator cap could be hot. Let us know what you fine, hopefuly it'll be a easy fix for you.

DLP Performance · #5 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 08:50 PM

It's probably just coincidence. Check the timing just to be sure. The carb might need a little adjustment, too. The "pressure" line, as previously stated, is coming from the intake manifold. It flows through the heater core & returns to the water pump. The heater valve is supposed to stop water before it goes into the heater core, but it'll work either way. You just may feel a little heat all the time if mounted after the core.