Hi I was hoping someone could give me some idea why my 1948 flathead dodge d24 is overheating. It was running good then just started overheating recently.im running the factory manual 4 blade fan with an electric fan, the head gasket and water pump has been replaced roughly a year ago,and no thermostat. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Condition of the radiator? When the engine gets warm, feel the surface of the radiator for any cool spots or use a thermo gun. Condition of radiator hoses? Make sure the inner spring is good and not collapsing.
if its a six cylinder when you rebuilt it did you replace the water tube running from the pump to the back of the block. the small holes can get plugged.
Lol I tried running a thermostat too, it got hot quicker. The radiator and hoses were replaced recently too. When it's givin gas the tempatiure drops but as soon as you let off it rises again
All good advice, but I'd start with Bishops' first. If the water isn't staying in the radiator long enough to cool down you will have problems, especially since those ol flatheads run hot to begin with. The radiator hose is a good place to look too. I never could find one that fit as well as the old one that was on it when I bought it. Every one I got from napa would colapse.
Giving gas as in idling or as in driving? I'd say that the flush would be a good route to go, as it may just be able to push through the blockage better at a higher RPM, and then whatever it is settles back. Don't do what I did though and keep jacking with it until one of the seams on the radiator pops, those old tombstones aren't cheap. Luckily I was able to have mine repaired...
Couple of things......the lower radiator hose should have a coil of wire in it to stop it collapsing, check that and install a wire coil from a radiator shop, check the fan belt is properly tensioned, install a 180 degree thermostat and while you are installing the thermostat/lower hose knock the 5 welsh plugs out along the side of the block and stick a hose in there to clean out the crud........ideally pull the water pump and remove the water tube that lives behind it and stick the hose in there whilst water tube & the welsh plugs are out........whilst all this is happening remove the radiator and have it boiled out by a radiator shop.......also once all this is back in check that the timing is correct......should be 5-8 degrees b4 TDC from memory..........regards, andyd
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