Overheating

[HER_65]

Hello,
I'm new to the board and looked over some previous posts but would still like some help if I can get it.

I have a problem with my car overheating.
I have a 65, 289, V8.
I have checked:
Thermostat, rad cap and hoses, they are all fine.
I understand that the carb running lean and or the carb being off on the timing could
play a part in overheating....but to what extent?
If there was a problem with a blown head gasket what would be the signs?
If there was a problem with the water pump what would be the signs?
I have flushed the rad and there is no evidence of rust in it so is it still good or
should it be replaced? And should I go bigger?
I also don't know if my car was supposed to come with a shroud.
I just replaced the "Coil" and removed a hose...this might have caused an
"Air Bubble" somewhere..maybe I didn't get it all out???

Could someone help me on getting this problem fixed.

 

[GaPonyFarm]

The timing being advanced too much could cause an overheating problem.

You should have a shroud, it will direct the airflow where it needs to go.

Check your lower radiator hose, they are prone to collapse when they get hot. Get a new one with a spring support in it.

You should go out (when the engine is cold) and remove the radiator cap, then start the car and let it get hot. If you see the water moving around after a few minutes, the water pump is ok. If not, it could be a water pump (doubtful) or a stuck thermostat (How did you check yours?)

If the water pump is bad, 99% of the time it will be dumping antifreeze all over the place. If you have a bad head gasket, you will be blowing white smoke out the exhause or possibly be dumping antifreeze into your oil.

Back to running the engine.... if the water is heating up and is flowing through the radiator, it will expell an air bubble after a little while. When you check the antifreeze level (cold), be sure its about 3/4" down from the top, as it needs room to expand. An overfilled radiator can lead to overheating. If everything else checks out, try some Water-wetter, available at many parts stores. It will drop your radiator temp by about 20 degrees.

Finally get a shroud. I know I already said it, but its worth saying twice.

 

[Ronstang]

Most also miss the fact that the timing being too retarded will cause the car to overheat more than being too advanced so you need to verify that your advance mechanisms in the distibutor, both mechanical and vacuum, are working properly.

 

[HER_65]

thanx for the tips I'll check those out.
I checked my thermostat by taking it out hanging it on a string and putting it into some room temp water then heating up while holding a termometer in the bowl......and it opened! .Let it cool back odwn to room temp and reinstall. Woh La.

 

[grantur01]

I'm bought a shroud for my 66 and I'm putting it on tomorrow.

I'm not sure if you don't have one. So just in case you do NOT have a fan shroud. I'll post back here and let you know how mine help my overheating.

My only real overheating problem is from the 4.11's and 4-speed on the highway at 70 for more than 10 minutes. I'll get back at you though!

 

[WORTH]

Her 65, we need more info. When does it overheat, hyway around town, sitting idling? nd is it overheating or is the guage just running high? does it blow water out of the cap when it overheats.

 

[HER_65]

I'm so sorry I didn't mention.
She overheats while at idle and going up hills. I would also say that when she's around 70 she starts to get hot.The tempurature gauge is always abit above cold then it goes about half way and she over heat's spewing from the overflow hose.
No i don't have a shroud but I'm looking into getting one for sure now.

 

[WORTH]

OK if it's spewing when the guage is only half way up, either your guage is way off, or the cap is junk. I would replace the cap before I did anything, they are cheap and easy. If you are not running an overflow bottle recovery system, when the car is cold the fluid should only be about half way up the top radiator tank.

Try that first and see what happens.