1932 rebuilt B engine overheats?
 

friend of mine has a 1932 B pickup with the 4 cylinder engine that has been rebuilt. seems to overheat when at standstill. has virtually no miles on it. what are some of the possible reasons for this overheating? thanks

Re: 1932 rebuilt B engine overheats?
 

If it only does it when standing, I'd say lack of air flow through the radiator. Is the fan on properly? Is the radiator clean inside and out? Is the engine timed properly (retarded timing will cause overheating). Coolant leaks? Just a few possible reasons but perhaps a place to start looking. Hope this helps.

Re: 1932 rebuilt B engine overheats?
 

In 1932 the V8 was prone to overheat but not the 4 cylinder. Something is going on. How far overbored was the engine? Is the radiator a good one or a cheap one? You might try a '30-'31 Model radiator temporarily to see if the problem goes away before you buy a new radiator. You won't be able to install the hood or shell but it could answer your question about it being the radiator,

Charlie Stephens

Re: 1932 rebuilt B engine overheats?
 

What is over heating? Does the water bubble up and boil or does the water burp out from a compression leak? Quick check for temperature is to start it up and insert a kitchen thermometer in the neck of the radiator and record the temperature when it starts to bubble, if it is over heating by boiling its over 212*its a cooling or ignition issue , if it begins to bubble and the temp is under 212* its a compression leak.This is not a complete check but a good way to start.

Re: 1932 rebuilt B engine overheats?
 

Hey Jerrod,
Possibilities for overheating?
Short answer: block has crud in it; radiator has crud form block (or wasn't redone to begin with); if thermostat , not functioning as intended; head gasket leaking compression.
Long answer: You say belongs to a 'friend'. You don't say...I've seen this in operation and have checked this/that. Therefor, it is very hard to diagnose this from a distance and from second/third hand,eh! So , that takes me back to short list. If you haven't seen this situation in person (like we haven't), I'd do some questioning of owner of engine...to see what he knows of rebuild. If he doesn't have first hand knowledge of what was done and how...well.
In other words was the block cleaned properly inside? Same question for radiator?
IF you can ascertain that these two things were properly done..absolutely certain, then go to head gasket checking process, i.e.- even a good quality head gasket , properly installed/torqued...CAN still be the problem , due to cracks/uneven head/block surfaceing. If you get to the head gasket thru this stated process, do a proper compression check wet/dry, then leak down. Also, check for condensation/coolant in the oil pan. And, of course, check for combustion gas going into the water system..looking into open radiator top.

BTW- the B that you see in avatar is warmed up x3. The inside of the block when put together ..like NEW. The radiator was recored..like NEW.
This engine will run cool..without a fan. Ergo..a thermostat was installed.

Re: 1932 rebuilt B engine overheats?
 

It is a good idea to put a short length of panty hose in the outlet hose of a fresh engine. You would be amazed at the trash flushed out of the engine and radiator. A lot of fresh engines overheat due to radiator contamination.

Re: 1932 rebuilt B engine overheats?
 

That 'trash' should/could have been removed prior to any other work,eh! If you get to the pantyhose situation, you're already in the red:)

Re: 1932 rebuilt B engine overheats?
 

check your idle speed. You may not be moving enough water.
Butch

Re: 1932 rebuilt B engine overheats?
 

Run it at a fast idle for 1/2 hour and then at about an engine speed of 25 to 30 MPH for a 1/2 hour with a large house type box fan AGAINST the grill. The Lasko box fan cost about $12.00 at Wal Mart's. This will give you the same results as driveing but is more reliable for testing. If it works the fan is the problem at idle. There is an adaptor availiable to use a 36 V/8 pump on the 4 cylinder B engine. I have one on a hopped up B and need to run cardboard in front of the radiator a lot of times. G.M.