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EFV-8 Club Forum / General Ford Discussion / overheating

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Discussion Topic: overheating -- page: 1 2

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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?

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

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.

tpls46ford

07-15-2025 @ 12:14 PM

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yes

tom

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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