Quote: I got this rebuilt 440 hp .030 engine --- Fires up runs great. BUT under normal driving conditions she overheats - temp goes thru the roof.
Tried changing the water pump and the thermostat had no effect.
The radiator is hot on the bottom and cold at the top.
TOOK the thermostat completely out and temp stays at 170 degrees - but I know that is not the correct solution.
What is going on?
even if the "tune" of the ignition/carb are "off" somewhat, the "issue" with overheating with/without the thermostat opens the door for a cracked block/head, bad head gasket....simple test won't cost you anything other than time, with the thermostat correctly installed, I'd recommend you also drill an 1/8" bleed hole in the thermostats base to rid the system of trapped air when filling the system,....fill the system, when installing the radiator cap, close it fully, then back it off (open) so that it's still somewhat locked on the tangs, but not sealed/spring loaded on the seat/seal, enough to allow pressure, and some fluid to escape, start the car, heat it up to operating temp, a few revs will clear out and overflow the radiator a little until a satifactory running level is established, then drive the car (sanely) see if it overheats, if not....time for head gaskets, or casting replacements (head/s block)...
