Re: KPack's 1954 Panama

Posted by kevinpackard On 2021/5/12 10:04:57

Thanks Ken. I've been watching your experiences with overheating with interest. I think I'm going to have much of the same issues you had.

I have a high carbon problem, and definitely an overheating problem. A short drive last night saw the needle move up into the "P" range on the gauge. Infrared thermometer had 180 at the front of the engine and 192 at the back.

My plan is to:
1.) Drain cooling system. Backflush if I can find a gun
2.) Disconnect heater core and plug the hoses from the block and water pump
3.) New thermostat (160 degree possibly)
4.) New upper and lower radiator hoses
5.) New radiator cap (7lbs?)
6.) Gravity flow test the radiator....probably going to find it's plugged up
7.) New coolant and water
8.) New points and condenser, try to set timing and carburetor correctly.

Hopefully I can get this all done and the temperature under control before Saturday evening. There's a local cruise night that I'd like to get the car to.

-Kevin