My '51 Land Cruiser is running hot, and probably would peg the gauge if I kept running. It's the original 232 V8. I have checked the thermostat (ok), replaced the water pump, checked the timing (ok), checked for exhaust gas in the coolant (none), and flushed the system. It still runs hot. What did I miss?
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The FIRST thing everyone will ask is: "are you sure it really IS hot?" The gauge can fool you easily.
Use a Digital Laser Thermometer to check top and bottom of Radiator, Thermostat Housing, Cyl. head etc. for a real-time number.
How old is the Rod out, re-core or replacement RADIATOR?StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967 -
What Rich said. Gauges can fail. I had a similar problem when I re-assembled a 55 Commander (259). A modern rad re-core did wonders.Dave Warren (Perry Mason by day, Perry Como by night)Comment
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If it proves out that it is running hot, and the radiator checks out ok, then cleaning out the block would be your next step. Radiator flush wont do the job. Gunk builds up especially in the rear of the block that has to be cleaned out, especially after 60+ years. Messy but necessary. Lots of info in the forum on this, just use the search feature & Welcome to the forum!!!59 Lark wagon, now V-8, H.D. auto!
60 Lark convertible V-8 auto
61 Champ 1/2 ton 4 speed
62 Champ 3/4 ton 5 speed o/drive
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62 Daytona convertible V-8 4 speed & 62 Cruiser, auto.
63 G.T. Hawk R-2,4 speed
63 Avanti (2) R-1 auto
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66 Daytona Sport Sedan(327)V-8 4 speed
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Will also ask if you have fan correctly spaced, a fan shroud , any way for air to go around the radiator. If air can go around it, you will get poor flow thru it .Randy Wilkin
1946 M5 Streetrod
Hillsboro,Ohio 45133
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Cleaning the block, as has already been mentioned, is a good possibility. Did you change the water pump before or after the overheating? Be sure to check the water pump to manifold impeller clearance, WP gasket thickness, impeller location on shaft. I had one I replaced a wp on and the trouble started afterward. Took me a little to figure it out.Comment
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The first thing I would ask a person with a overheating problem is. When did the car start to overheat. If it is new occurrence and the thermostat is deferentially good; then I would check the temperature sending and or the temperature gauge.
You did not mention if there is any loss of coolant.
Any of then above can cause the problem but usually do not occur overnight.
RonComment
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There were some new water pumps that were manufactured incorrectly. The impeller is too close to the pump body and therefore too far away from the inside of the pump manifold.
The clearance between the impeller and the inside of the manifold is critical. You also have to use the thinnest gasket possible on the pump to make sure the impeller goes deep enough into the manifold.
X4 on everyone who suggested that you look at when the overheating happened, especially if it happened just after doing something to the engine.Comment
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