| tpls46ford | -- 07-14-2025 @ 1:19 PM |
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1946 Super deluxe convertible. Well I have put new water pumps. new aluminum radiator, installed a 16" electric fan to the new radiator, 2 new 160 thermostats and a 4lb radiator cap All that and it is still overheating. Argh!! 215 degrees. System is filled with half radiator coolant and water. New pumps are working as I can see the water flowing in the top of the radiator. Took the new thermostats out and ran it for a short spin. Still over heated. Could it possibly be the heat sensors on the block? Any thoughts Greatly Appreciated!! tom tom
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| Kens 36 | -- 07-14-2025 @ 1:27 PM |
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Tom, How did you measure the 215 degrees? Have you tried a laser thermometer to check the temps? Ken
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| carcrazy | -- 07-14-2025 @ 1:57 PM |
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Try thoroughly back flushing the entire cooling system to get all crud out of it. Then fill the cooling system with distilled water and a small amount of water pump lube to prevent corrosion. Perhaps your new radiator does not have sufficient capability to properly cool the engine. What is the outside (ambient) air temperature when you measure the 215 degree F coolant temperature? Does the radiator fit tightly in the opening to prevent air from flowing around it?
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| carcrazy | -- 07-14-2025 @ 9:08 PM |
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Once you have a laser thermometer, use it to measure the temperatures at the top and the bottom of your radiator with the engine up to operating temperature and running. If the radiator is working properly, the temperature at the bottom of the radiator should be 15 degrees F cooler that the temperature at the top.
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| tpls46ford | -- 07-15-2025 @ 12:14 PM |
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yes tom
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| nelsb01 | -- 07-15-2025 @ 1:06 PM |
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One thing not mentioned.................is your engine timing set to specs? Either advanced or retarded can effect the engine temperature.
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| TomO | -- 07-16-2025 @ 1:45 PM |
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On the 1946 Ford, the ignition timing is set by having the correct point dwell. If your points are worn, you will see an increase in engine temperature at highway speeds. If the valve timing is off, the engine will run hotter than normal at low speeds, but usually will be OK at idle. Tom
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| Howie1935 | -- 07-28-2025 @ 2:23 PM |
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I have heat issue just started. 1. Runs great 2. Runs cool, about 160 reading from right and left water pump sensors 3. At 50 plus mph, temp is still 160 range. once I stop, shoots up to above 210 degrees. Both sides read very close to same temp. 4. I drained coolant and replaced (50-50 premix) when both water pumps replaced, both leaking. 5. I filled to top of radiator but did not check level after filling and running. 6. No leaks detected nor is there a puddle under engine. 7. I just checked radiator, and added about 1/2 gallon of the 50-50 mix. 8. Was air just in system and now that run for 70 plus miles over last two days, air should be in top of radiator? I'll run again tomorrow, maybe 10 miles. Supposed to be near 100 degrees tomorrow. Thoughts?
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| nelsb01 | -- 07-28-2025 @ 3:20 PM |
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You need to remember that the flathead radiator will set its own level, no matter how much you refill it. My 1949 likes about 2 inches down from the bottom of the radiator cap opening. No matter how many times I have filled it higher, after about 100 miles, it will be back to that 2 inch mark. It could have been air since you just had drained and refilled. Have you drilled 1/16 inch hole in your thermostats to let that air escape? That is what has been suggested over the years.
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| Howie1935 | -- 07-29-2025 @ 5:40 AM |
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Senior, I'm not sure I even have thermostats. I'll drive today and look for leaks, drips, or even something wet. That coolant went somewhere. Thanks, I'll investigate the thermostats. Den (Howie 1935)
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| pauls39coupe | -- 07-29-2025 @ 7:23 PM |
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Coolant level should just cover the top of the tubes, anything more will just go out the overflow. As others have commented, check the temperature drop from top to bottom of the radiator. Back flushing the block may help as a ton of crud gets left in the water jackets. I would mount the fan on the engine side of the radiator. Electric fans mounted in front just block the air flow at speed. This message was edited by pauls39coupe on 7-29-25 @ 7:28 PM
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| Howie1935 | -- 08-12-2025 @ 6:51 AM |
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Temp drop from top to bottom: Just after a good drive on hot day: Top: 191 Bottom: 180 I did see about a teaspoon of coolant directly under radiator after drive when still hot.
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| pauls39coupe | -- 08-12-2025 @ 7:10 AM |
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I would expect to see more of a temperature drop. Did you paint the radiator? There is a special paint for radiators. Thick paints can cause heat transfer problems. Are you sure the coolant mixture is no more than 50/50? I would try a bottle of WaterWetter or similar surfactant to increase the heat transfer. I suspect your radiator is just not big enough for the job. Some of the "overseas" radiators are too thin for flathead cooling. Superior Radiator and other custom shops build heavy duty aluminum radiators at a reasonable cost. A copper radiator from Walker, or other manufacturer may be the ultimate though pricey cure.
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