Re: Running very hot

Posted by Jim Kavanagh On 2018/9/10 13:56:00

I was at the garage this AM and let the car idle quite a while to get to temperature. I used a radiator thermometer and my hand help temp gauge.

One thing I noticed is that the car comes up to temperature very slowly, and the radiator seems to keep pace. Even before the thermostat should open - say 145 - 150 degrees, the radiator is at a similar temp - maybe a little less, but not appreciably.

I noted no difference when the car finally hit 160 degrees, and the top radiator hose was probably only about 110 degrees. I could not feel and water running through, but the radiator was at similar temp. I could not see water moving in the radiator as the thermostat opens, which I assume I would, but the water does churn (and gets heat from somewhere).

Finally got to 180 degrees and saw the same situation. The upper hose never got very hot, but the radiator did get to about 170.

I am assuming the radiator is getting heat exchange through the lower hose, but even at 180, the lower hose, the lower part of the radiator and the pump itself are all only around 150 degrees. The top is hotter.

I do not know what temp the thermostat is, but it is the older style with the bug spring. I do have a 160 degree one to install.

The exhaust manifolds would reach around 380 degrees, but the intake remained fairly cool at around 130 or so.