Overheating problem
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Portland USA
Overheating problem
I am looking at a 1969 F250 that looks to be in very good shape. All the rust has been removed and the truck repainted. The original 360 has been rebuilt and bored out (2000 Miles ago) to a 390 (according to the seller) work was done at a machine shop. It has a new Edelbrock manifold and 4bbl carb.
The seller says it has one problem that he has not been able to figure out. For some reason the truck runs very hot.
He said he had someone take the temp on each cylinder and that all of the cylinders on the left side of the engine runs about 100 degrees hotter than the cylinders on the right side.
This truck is in Salt Lake city and I am in Portland, OR and will need to drive it home if I end up buying it.
Am I setting myself up for real problems if I buy this thing, or does any one have an idea of what the problem may be?
Also can anyone vouch for the work done by Wheeler Machine shop in Salt Lake City?
Thanks,
Keith Hopper
Used to have one, Soon will have one!
The seller says it has one problem that he has not been able to figure out. For some reason the truck runs very hot.
He said he had someone take the temp on each cylinder and that all of the cylinders on the left side of the engine runs about 100 degrees hotter than the cylinders on the right side.This truck is in Salt Lake city and I am in Portland, OR and will need to drive it home if I end up buying it.
Am I setting myself up for real problems if I buy this thing, or does any one have an idea of what the problem may be?
Also can anyone vouch for the work done by Wheeler Machine shop in Salt Lake City?
Thanks,
Keith Hopper
Used to have one, Soon will have one!
Elder User
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 940
Likes: 0
From: LAT 46.55501° & LON -122
Overheating problem
Well if the 360 was bored out to achieve the 390 CI, that would require 427-sized pistons, and there would deffinately be a heating problem on any 360 block bored .180 oversize. A 390 uses the same bore as a 360; the extra cubes are achieved by longer stroke.
Some blocks had problems with core shift during the casting process which can cause heating problems on even the mildest overbore.
Another possibility is that the head gasket may be on backward on the left bank. It is easy to do since the gasket on one side looks upside down compared to the other when properly installed with some kits. I stared at my gaskets for several minutes wondering if front really means front for both sides even if one looks upside down. To tell you the truth, I still sometimes wonder if I put it on correctly.
Some blocks had problems with core shift during the casting process which can cause heating problems on even the mildest overbore.
Another possibility is that the head gasket may be on backward on the left bank. It is easy to do since the gasket on one side looks upside down compared to the other when properly installed with some kits. I stared at my gaskets for several minutes wondering if front really means front for both sides even if one looks upside down. To tell you the truth, I still sometimes wonder if I put it on correctly.
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Overheating problem
I would want to bet the head gasket is wrong but if one is wrong the other should be to unless the people who built it have lots of gaskets for this engine- slim chance. One thing to think about is that the sensor is on one side of the engine. I would look at exhaust restrictions this would cause heat build up. I would heve to know more to help better.
Robert
72 Ranger XLT W/ 86 5.0L W/ AOD
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Robert
72 Ranger XLT W/ 86 5.0L W/ AOD
krazdndenver(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Overheating problem
Keith, I have read enough of your post that I would pass on this truck. There are too many of them left to travel that far for one that is acting up like that. As Like M. pointed out the bore is the same and I don't know of any way to measure the temp of each cylinder, but wouldn't want one that had been run at 280/300 on one side. A truck from Salt Lake shouldn't have much rust anyway. Keep looking closer to home, you can find one that you can touch and test drive before purchasing. If you go for that truck you will not walk away from it because you will think that you have too much invested in the trip out. Good luck. 
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John
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In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
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John
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[link:www.ford-trucks.com/users/jowilker|My Club FTE Page] Member 0004 since 01 01
[link:www.ford-trucks.net/users/jowilker/NCFTE.html|NCFTO] North Carolina Ford Truck Owners Group
In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
