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Discussion Topic:
overheating
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tpls46ford |
07-14-2025 @ 1:19 PM
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Member
Posts: 30
Joined: May 2025
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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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Member
Posts: 405
Joined: Oct 2009
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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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Senior
Posts: 1975
Joined: Oct 2009
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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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Senior
Posts: 1975
Joined: Oct 2009
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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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Member
Posts: 30
Joined: May 2025
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yes
tom
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nelsb01 |
07-15-2025 @ 1:06 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1095
Joined: Oct 2009
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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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Senior
Posts: 7385
Joined: Oct 2009
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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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Member
Posts: 34
Joined: Sep 2024
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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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Senior
Posts: 1095
Joined: Oct 2009
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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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Member
Posts: 34
Joined: Sep 2024
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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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