351M overheating

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Aug 26, 1999 | 05:34 PM

Dustin

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Joined: Aug 1999

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351M overheating

I recently rebuilt a 1977 Ford 351M engine for my F-150 pickup. I have boiled out the radiator, replaced the thermostat, replaced the water pump, timed and retimed the engine, and replaced the oil pump. I took the valve covers off, ran the engine, and the oil was circulating to the lifters just fine. After I drive for 3 to 4 miles the oil pressure will start to drop at lower rpm's and the temperature will begin to rise. What else can I do to find out what is causing the problem? How can I fix it?

Aug 26, 1999 | 06:33 PM

Fordman

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351M overheating

I dont know if you overbored your engine but if you did and you went over .40 you will have problems. You also may have an air bubble in your engine somewhere. One more thing you could try is putting a bigger radiatior in. Find one from a 460 or another big block. These usually run cooler. Good luck

Fordman

Aug 26, 1999 | 07:27 PM

jowilker

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jun 1999

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

351M overheating

Dustin, try advancing the timing, retarded timing can sometimes can make the engine run hot.

Hope that helps,

John

Aug 27, 1999 | 07:08 AM

TomC

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351M overheating

Last but not least.. Check for exhaust gas in the water from a cracked head or block. If you are really lucky, bad head gaskets. There are kits to check for this or you can try this. Remove the water pump drive belts and upper radiator hose with the engine cold. Top off the coolant at the upper radiator hose connection on the block. If the angle doesn't work, put on a short piece of radiator hose to help out. Start the engine and watch for bubbles within a minute or so. You can also use a cooling system pressure tester on the radiator outlet and watch for pressure buildup.

I hope for the best TomC

Aug 27, 1999 | 12:21 PM

rob_2

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Joined: Aug 1999

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351M overheating

i had same problem after i rebuilt my 400. I
also noticed a popping sound coming from my
top radiator hose. Well it came to be that i
had installed pass. side head gasket backwards.
I was in a hurry putting it together and paid
for it. Also, my antifreeze was foaming and
after i cut off the motor it would spew out
from the overflow.

Aug 27, 1999 | 03:18 PM

Patrick J. Chicas

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Posts: n/a

351M overheating

Did you replace the fan shroud?
Did you install a flex or cluth fan in place of a fixed fan?

Both may be the cause.

See a full article on how the off-road racers cool their machines at Off-Road.com on september 1st. key on the "Don't Ask" section.