PodSquad48 Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 So Ive replace the thermostat (180) and water pump and my 48 Plymouth is overheating. After about 15 mins. of warm up Im getting steam from, what appears to be, the overflow tube. I have checked for vac. leaks and timing and everything seems to be correct. I was running straight water at the time but didnt expect this after just 15 minutes. Im taking the radiator down for a flush and flow test tomorrow. Im worried they'll want to just re-core it, another $2-300 I've heard. Also wondering if I should pull the water distribution tube while the radiator is out and replace it. I did flush the system and everythings clear, which may be cause for concern if its so clogged it just flows clear water? Any tips or recommendations are appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIPJOBXX Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 could you possibly have a blow head gasket??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 You got it Shel. Is your radiator filled to high??? Should only cover the bottom of the top tank by and inch or so. If its too full, as it expands and there is no place to go it will come out the Overflow. Stick a thermometer in the filler and see what the coolant temp is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobT-47P15 Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 (edited) Do you have a non-pressurized radiator cap? Edited April 3, 2010 by BobT-47P15 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 and your timing if a bit high will help to quickly bring the temp up on these flatheads... do try to find a rad shop that does "flow testing" anything else is just guessing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PodSquad48 Posted April 3, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 The gauge reads 170 #ut I'll have to verify, the Rad shop has been around since 54 and assured me he'll baby it. I'll try less water and see what happens, but I think I'll replace the dist. tube anyways. The hood was up. Im hoping its not ahead gasket, oils clean, and runs like a champ otherwise. Thanks for all the advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niel Hoback Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 If your dash gauge says 170, I would suggest that you get a thermometer and stick it in the radiator when you see steam. Being "frugal", I do the cheap thing first. Make sure you actually have an overheat situation before you take your car apart and allow some ham-fisted kid thats never seen a honeycomb radiator to touch it. Sorry, but I seem to be kinda touchy tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aero3113 Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 What makes you think you are overheating? 170 is fine. It sounds like you may have over serviced the radiator and it is coming out the overflow tube when the water is hot. Drive it and let it seek its own level and you should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PodSquad48 Posted April 3, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 Good advice, maybe Im overthunkin' it! I'll try a secondary temp measurement and see what I come up with. Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Coatney Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 Is your theromostat the correct one for your application? Internal/external by-pass? Is your thermostat installed correctly ie spring in the head not in the gooseneck? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chopt50wgn Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 Running straight water in a non pressurized system will let the water boil at the temps its meant to boil at, 212 degF. If you mix it 50/50 you should get alittle more boil point. A pressurized system lets the coolant go to a higher boiling point. For every pound pressure the cap is , it boosts the boiling point by 3 degF. So a 15 lb cap will let the system get to 212 + 45= 257 degf before it boils. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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