Cool/Heat: Overheating 259

[Boehm]

I have a 1964 Wagonaire with a 259 automatic trans. This summer I had to replace the motor with a 259 from a 1964 sedan automatic.
Before in put the motor in, I pulled out the old frost plugs, cleaned out all the gunk, I ran a ton of water through the motor to make sure it was clean. Put in new frost plugs, put motor in and it started running hot right away. Here's a list what I have done so far. Professionally had the radiator flushed, new cap, new thermostat , pulled out a frost plug to see if any gunk came out, that was clean, the overflow tube is clean the water pump is from the broken motor which never ran hot. hoses are new. it still runs a steady 230 degrees. I checked it with another temp gauge with the same result. What am I missing????

[skyway]

Easy stuff first.
1. Use a digital heat detector (can't remember the real name), or a cooking thermometer in the spout, to make sure its really running that hot.
2. Verify that the hoses are all correctly hooked up.
3. Turn on the heater on high, to see if that reduces the temp.
4. Run it without the thermostat and see if its still hot, and while you have it out put the Thermo... in a pot of water on the stove to verify the temp at which it opens.
5. Verify that the Thermos.. is pointing the correct direction when you reinstall.
Others will add more thoughts.

[Mike Van Veghten]

Two things -

1. Engine running, hot, check to see of there are bubbles in the radiator tank. Remove/loosen the cap BEFORE it gets hot. Indication of a leaking head gasket. Will make an engine run hot.
2. Ignition timing. Again...low ignition timing will make an engine run hot. Set it it a coupla (4 or so) degrees higher than the "book"

Mike

[TWChamp]

My first thought was check that the initial timing is set correctly and advance is working correctly.

[yoyoman]

Bad new Thermostat? or junk stuck in it.

[DieselJim]

Did you change the temp sending unit?

[doofus]

If all else fails pull the water manifold and inspect the water passages in the end of the heads. they may be blocked by casting flash.BTDT. Luck Doofus

[BobWaitz]

I'm with TWChamp. Make sure the timing isn't retarded. If the timing is good I'd swap out the thermostat. If that doesn't fix it I'd look at the water pump. IIRC there was a bad run of them. Does anyone remember how to tell? I think it had to do with the clearance between the fins and the flange.

[altair]

You can have the system pressure tested there is a hand pump that attaches to the radiator and the system can be pumped up a few pounds and let sit and check for leaks. Remove the bottom hose from the rad and insert a garden hose in the top and it should take full city pressure or private pressure what ever the case may be. Late timing would not react that quickly but may over heat over time.

[StudeRich]

When checking Water Pump Vane clearance, you check the distance to the back wall of the Water Pump MANIFOLD.

Sorry, I do not remember the correct distance.

[leaurent]

At first, i will use an infrared laser digital temperature thermometer gun.
I will à la check the thermostat exit and the bottom of the radiator