Y-block cooling problem
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Eastern Washington
Y-block cooling problem
I recently rebuilt a 272 Y-block. Now the truck is is running too hot. A cooler thermostat was put in (160 degree) but this has not helped. Has anyone run into problems with this? And if so what has been the problem and how was this fixed? Appreciate any help. Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by idaho211
I recently rebuilt a 272 Y-block. Now the truck is is running too hot. A cooler thermostat was put in (160 degree) but this has not helped. Has anyone run into problems with this? And if so what has been the problem and how was this fixed? Appreciate any help. Thanks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
What year truck is this in? Is it converted from 6v to 12v? That would be my first suspicion. If it was converted, your gauge is probably not reading the same as before, and may not be hot at all. Try a mechanical gauge before hitting the panic button!
Junior User
Joined: May 2007
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From: Mission Viejo, CA
Make sure it isn't something as simple as a large air pocket in your cooling system. One way to rid yourself of these pockets is to take out your thermostat housing and drill a very small hole on either side of the valve. This will allow air to slowly pass through overnight. Leave the cap off of the radiator overnight, refill in the morning, and see if this solves the problem.
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 491
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From: Eastern Washington
This engine was a 272 y-block and put in a 60 ford with 12 volt system. It has a generator. I did put on a stock 292 fan shroud after it was running hot but did not make much difference. It runs hot after going down the road after about 8 minutes. I put in new hoses, temp sensor but not the instrument gauge. It is not boiling over but I was getting a little smoke coming out of the oil filler tube after limited driving. Is that normal? I did not replace the stock radiator but I did have the radiator checked for leaks and it checked out okay. Do you think I could have a blockage of the coolant in the radiator or could it be a faulty instrument gauge?
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Riverside, So Cal
Originally Posted by idaho211
This engine was a 272 y-block and put in a 60 ford with 12 volt system. It has a generator. I did put on a stock 292 fan shroud after it was running hot but did not make much difference. It runs hot after going down the road after about 8 minutes. I put in new hoses, temp sensor but not the instrument gauge. It is not boiling over but I was getting a little smoke coming out of the oil filler tube after limited driving. Is that normal? I did not replace the stock radiator but I did have the radiator checked for leaks and it checked out okay. Do you think I could have a blockage of the coolant in the radiator or could it be a faulty instrument gauge?
When you rewired, did you keep the voltage drops in front of the gages? Ford used 6 volt gages for many years after they changed to 12 volt systems (1956). That would explain it.
The smoke from the oil filler tube is usual, especially on a new motor where the rings aren't yet fully seated.
The lower temp thermostat is of no help, as the lower temp rating just means it opens sooner. Once opened, the system runs the temp it runs. Basically, a thermostat only determines what the minimum running temp will be. I always run a 180-190 thermostat, because engines seem to like that temp range better.
Good luck!
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
If it doesn't overheat when idling then your shroud and fan are doing the job they should. If the radiator shop checked the radiator for flow then it should be okay on the highway too. Usually a clogged radiator will cause overheating at speed. I have to think it's a faulty gauge reading or something else unusual....
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From: Valley Center, CA
Running too hot is often a wrong dianosis. I also say get another temp gauge or better yet an infrared heat gun to check the temp. I've been trying to get a buddy of mine to believe his engine is fine for years. He thinks it's running hot because the gauge says it's hot. But it never boils over. Also, smoke coming out of your oil spout is normal after you shut your engine off. Engines without a pcv valve system vent to atmosphere. Jag
Also, smoke coming out of your oil spout is normal after you shut your engine off. Engines without a pcv valve system vent to atmosphere. Jag
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Eastern Washington
It was bored .30 over. I think I will check out the temp gauge. It is a stock gauge and it does have the original voltage regulator set up. I will check this out and let you know. Thanks again for all of your help!!!
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
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Originally Posted by idaho211
This engine was a 272 y-block and put in a 60 ford with 12 volt system. It has a generator. I did put on a stock 292 fan shroud after it was running hot but did not make much difference. It runs hot after going down the road after about 8 minutes. I put in new hoses, temp sensor but not the instrument gauge. It is not boiling over but I was getting a little smoke coming out of the oil filler tube after limited driving. Is that normal? I did not replace the stock radiator but I did have the radiator checked for leaks and it checked out okay. Do you think I could have a blockage of the coolant in the radiator or could it be a faulty instrument gauge?
Aftermarket gauges don't look to bad if installed well (IMHO).
As far as the puffs of smoke out the filler tube. Mine does that after driving too. Dad told me I had a small amount of blow by and not to worry about it unless it ever gets bad.
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