I got a 49 caddy series 62 for free and it has an overheating issue I changed the thermostat to a new 180 degree. When I tested it the temp gauge just kept going then started making a pinging sound probably from the overheating. I was wondering if anyone had a similar problem and if they could direct me in fixing it before I start spending money on rebuilding the water pump and other things that won't lead to a solution.
Have you checked for actual flow through the radiator?? Look into the neck for movement when the engine is running. It is possible the impeller fell off the water pump shaft. Check the oil for chocolate. This would mean head gasket. Check the radiator for grunge, too. Check the lower hose for a spring inside, because they will collapse (restricting flow) without one. Cosmo
i have heard that those old water pumps have a bad habit of losing the impeller. i think i need to rebuild mine.
Wouldn't hurt to take the radiator out and have it flushed and checked by a shop. This is always one of the first things I do before I run a car that has been sitting for any length of time.
Ok I put the new water pump in and the problem is still there. I do see water moving in the radiator which wasn't happening before I had the water pump rebuilt. It takes under 10 minutes for the temp gauge to peg out. I'm pretty sure that the temp gauge isn't electric so the fact that I converted it to 12v wouldn't affect it. I'm pretty sure the carb is on its way out cause it tries to stall when you first give it gas. I dont think that a lean mix would heat it up that fast I could be wrong though I mostly deal with 4 barrel carbs and I don't know if a lean mix with a single barrel would be that diffrent. I am getting tired of dealing with this so any help would be useful
I give a lot of things away for free and one of them was a 54 plymouth. The guy I gave it to was given a free caddy and he gave it to me cause I gave him the plymouth
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