Nagging overheating problem
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
I'll second or third the infrared thermometer. They are a nice tool when working on vehicles. Without one you really don't know whether or not you have a problem with the cooling system or a sensor. They can be had for around $60 or less nowadays.
To aid in cooling I drain out the 50/50 mix and put in straight distilled water every spring. It's a mild pain but it helps quite a bit. The holes in the thermostats are a good idea and pretty much eliminate air pocket worries. Make sure you are using a good quality thermostat like a Robertshaw or the best one Stant makes. I would get a big spike in temps before the cheap thermostats would open. Not a problem with the good Stants. I ran 160s for a while but switched to 180s on the advice of other flathead guys.
Make sure belts are tight and the timing isn't off.
I also had a coolant puking problem with the original radiator cap that was remedied with a new cap.
Hope you can track down the problem and get the old V8 back on the road. There truly is nothing that sounds as nice. At least that's my unbiased opinion.
To aid in cooling I drain out the 50/50 mix and put in straight distilled water every spring. It's a mild pain but it helps quite a bit. The holes in the thermostats are a good idea and pretty much eliminate air pocket worries. Make sure you are using a good quality thermostat like a Robertshaw or the best one Stant makes. I would get a big spike in temps before the cheap thermostats would open. Not a problem with the good Stants. I ran 160s for a while but switched to 180s on the advice of other flathead guys.
Make sure belts are tight and the timing isn't off.
I also had a coolant puking problem with the original radiator cap that was remedied with a new cap.
Hope you can track down the problem and get the old V8 back on the road. There truly is nothing that sounds as nice. At least that's my unbiased opinion.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 969
Likes: 71
From: Cherryville,N.C.
I noticed my senders are backwards.The two prong is on the passenger side and single on driver's side.The original wire to gauge has been replaced with a new wire and the gauge of wire is a lot smaller than the original.Would this make any difference?
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,887
Likes: 3,129
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
Well, I think I got the cooling problem fix, again.
I installed a temp gauge in each head and bought a new radiator cap, 4lb. Tonight I got the temp gauges installed and mounted under the dash and ran the truck in idle for BOUT 30 minutes. It took the right side 9 mintues to start to move the needle and another 10minutes to reach 160º, I have 160º stats that I plan to change to 180º. The left took about 10 minutes to move the needle and about 12 more minutes to reach 160º. Once they both reached temp the stay there. It looked really sweet!
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Now on to getting the charging system to work. I am pretty sure it's the regulator, I get a good charge out of the alternator and when I use a battery charger the battery will hold a charge for a long time.
I installed a temp gauge in each head and bought a new radiator cap, 4lb. Tonight I got the temp gauges installed and mounted under the dash and ran the truck in idle for BOUT 30 minutes. It took the right side 9 mintues to start to move the needle and another 10minutes to reach 160º, I have 160º stats that I plan to change to 180º. The left took about 10 minutes to move the needle and about 12 more minutes to reach 160º. Once they both reached temp the stay there. It looked really sweet!
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Now on to getting the charging system to work. I am pretty sure it's the regulator, I get a good charge out of the alternator and when I use a battery charger the battery will hold a charge for a long time.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,887
Likes: 3,129
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
I'm running all stock but if I would go with a alternator, I'm thinking about doing it with my F-4, I'd go with the one wire GM unit.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,013
Likes: 9,957
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Bob,
I figured you had the stock generator but I wanted to make sure. I'll bet you have a selection of regulators hanging around, try slapping another one on and see how it goes
Bobby
I figured you had the stock generator but I wanted to make sure. I'll bet you have a selection of regulators hanging around, try slapping another one on and see how it goes
Bobby
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Pushachevy
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jul 27, 2016 09:24 AM
Johnny88Bronco
1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
24
Jul 3, 2007 10:55 AM
