Trying to get the 218 started

[norrism1]

Could have an air bubble in it after the leak. Try and burp the system and see if that helps.

[oldmopar]

Checked under the hood and the heater hose that goes into the block had come off, guess I didn't get it tight enough. Tightened it up and filled it up with some water. I went ahead and shut off the valve I have at the back of the block to avoid any other issues until I got it home. Started the car and it was getting hot again. I was confused as I usually run it all summer with the valve closed to keep the heat out of the car. Opened the valve back up and it went back down to 180 quick. I'm wondering if there is something wrong. Possibly the thermostat stuck closed?, or could that even be possible. I know that when it goes thru the heater core from the block the hose then hooks to the water pump. Opening that valve would in no way bypass the thermostat would it?

Any thoughts as I'm somewhat confused, or maybe my head just hurts from working on old Plymouths.

The only thought I have is that when the water leaves the engine after going through the heater it goes back to the radiator. So I would think something is blocked and the heater is helping to circulate. I know there is two different type water pumps for different years but not sure what your problems is. If no one else answers who has a better concept of the cooling systems then I do you may want to repost under a different heading.

Ed

[greg g]

Connect the hose from the pump to the outlet valve for the heater (bypassing the heater) and see what happens. With the valve open the hose should get hot. The coolant flow should be from the heat to the cooler to the water pump, Pump providing suction. I read some where that the heater can provide up to 30% of the cooling fo a system. bu in cooler temps you should be fine. Can you see coolant circulating in the radiator when the car is up to temp?

Check the stat to see if it is opening by putting it in a pan of water on the stove and see if it opens when it should and open all the way.

You can also remove the plate on the top of the water pump and but a screwdriver in the chamber to see if the impeller turns. sometime the pin can shear, so you won get any flow.

[Ed Griffin]

Just a tidbit on the heater and it cooling the engine. Late in the 70's we had a 72/3? Camaro that had a leak in the radiator along the seam. At the time I didnt know this. Being in the Mojave as well as traveling up and down the coast, we constantly had overheating issues. I pulled the thermostat out which didnt help alot but if you were stuck and the car was overheating the only way to get the temp back down was to turn on the heater. From that time on I've used that method in emergency's and it has worked. Another helper was to turn off the A/C but I dont think you have to worry abt that.

[Joe Flanagan]

Steve,

This is a little OT but what kind of paint did you use on your engine parts? It looks really good.

[eric wissing]

We need a picture of the car. I like that blue. Your engine does look great. Eric

[steveplym]

Steve,

This is a little OT but what kind of paint did you use on your engine parts? It looks really good.

I used paint from Eastwood on everything, but the firewall, inner fender wells, oil bath, and oil fill pipe. That paint was sherwin williams single stage enamel black.

We need a picture of the car. I like that blue. Your engine does look great. Eric

I think you've seen pics before, but here is one more.