The Ford Barn

fordscript · 02-24-2015, 03:51 AM

A friend has a 53 fordor that is running hot. Reconditioned engine about 6 years ago, runs nice. new radiator core and hoses about 3 months ago. Engine runs at the top end of the 'normal' range at 50 mph, on a day of about 23 degrees celsius. Increase speed to 60 mph and the temp starts to climb, and very quickly reaches 'hot'. There is no loss of water and no steaming, but then again, he slows down and the temp starts to go down. The engine/ car is completely stock with no modifications. Any of you fellows come across this, or have any ideas?? Thanks.

ponymare · 02-24-2015, 07:48 AM

Are the water pumps orig?

BILL WZOREK · 02-24-2015, 07:58 AM

Sounds like a timing Problem >>>

51 MERC-CT · 02-24-2015, 08:57 AM

Don't assume that the original gauge is reading correct temp's.
Check temp's with mech. gauge or other methods to find out what the actual temp's are.

chap52 · 02-24-2015, 10:41 AM

There was a thread recently about engine temps and some of folks posted the reading they got off of the engines using an IR sensor. Very interesting.
I picked up one on e-bay for less than $20

Vic Piano · 02-24-2015, 10:53 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

First rule of Flatheads (at least for me) NEVER trust a Ford gauge!

FlatheadTed · 02-24-2015, 01:28 PM

Gordon ,Like the others it can be the gauge or any of the above but this can also happen when the radiator core design is not dispersing enough heat ,if its un pressurised add a 3-4 lb header tank or valve . As well try a shroud you should notice a difference .Ted

scooder · 02-25-2015, 02:42 AM

Simple stuff first.
As Bill said, check the timing. On a loadamatic dizzy, I would also have a little suck on the advance can tube to make sure it's moving the points plate, and hold the suck with your tongue, points plate should stay put, only returning when you release the suck. Take advance tube off the carb end for this.
I have seen a couple of times, a new 97 sat on the top, or rebuilt 97 or pre 8BA 94 up there, and advance tube not connected just blocked off. This will not have any advance, as thus, the timing is retarded when it should be advanced. Retarded timing will heat that engine up.
Martin.

Johnnydidd · 02-25-2015, 01:46 PM

My 53 Victoria had a heating problem, used mechanical gauges on both heads, didn't see ant difference to the one on the dash, my radiator had only 3 tubes spaced 3/4 inch apart. replaced with 4 tubes 1/2 inch apart. checked out after installing at 70mph in 95 degree weather the temperature ran 190 degrees. you may want to count your tubes in your radiator.

02-24-2015, 03:51 AM	#1
fordscript Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oamaru, New Zealand Posts: 419	overheating 53 A friend has a 53 fordor that is running hot. Reconditioned engine about 6 years ago, runs nice. new radiator core and hoses about 3 months ago. Engine runs at the top end of the 'normal' range at 50 mph, on a day of about 23 degrees celsius. Increase speed to 60 mph and the temp starts to climb, and very quickly reaches 'hot'. There is no loss of water and no steaming, but then again, he slows down and the temp starts to go down. The engine/ car is completely stock with no modifications. Any of you fellows come across this, or have any ideas?? Thanks.

02-24-2015, 07:48 AM	#2
ponymare Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 160	Re: overheating 53 Are the water pumps orig?

02-24-2015, 07:58 AM	#3
BILL WZOREK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Florence Ma. Posts: 2,404	Re: overheating 53 Sounds like a timing Problem >>>

02-24-2015, 08:57 AM	#4
51 MERC-CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Hartford, Ct Posts: 5,898	Re: overheating 53 Don't assume that the original gauge is reading correct temp's. Check temp's with mech. gauge or other methods to find out what the actual temp's are. __________________ DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES

02-24-2015, 10:41 AM	#5
chap52 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Marana Arizona Posts: 1,776	Re: overheating 53 There was a thread recently about engine temps and some of folks posted the reading they got off of the engines using an IR sensor. Very interesting. I picked up one on e-bay for less than $20

02-24-2015, 10:53 AM	#6
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: overheating 53 Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) First rule of Flatheads (at least for me) NEVER trust a Ford gauge! __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

02-24-2015, 01:28 PM	#7
FlatheadTed Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auckland Posts: 4,705	Re: overheating 53 Gordon ,Like the others it can be the gauge or any of the above but this can also happen when the radiator core design is not dispersing enough heat ,if its un pressurised add a 3-4 lb header tank or valve . As well try a shroud you should notice a difference .Ted __________________ http://www.flatheadted.com Flathead Ted brake Floaters , Last edited by FlatheadTed; 02-24-2015 at 04:10 PM.

02-25-2015, 02:42 AM	#8
scooder Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 2,593	Re: overheating 53 Simple stuff first. As Bill said, check the timing. On a loadamatic dizzy, I would also have a little suck on the advance can tube to make sure it's moving the points plate, and hold the suck with your tongue, points plate should stay put, only returning when you release the suck. Take advance tube off the carb end for this. I have seen a couple of times, a new 97 sat on the top, or rebuilt 97 or pre 8BA 94 up there, and advance tube not connected just blocked off. This will not have any advance, as thus, the timing is retarded when it should be advanced. Retarded timing will heat that engine up. Martin.

02-25-2015, 01:46 PM	#9
Johnnydidd Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Overland Park, Ks Posts: 559	Re: overheating 53 My 53 Victoria had a heating problem, used mechanical gauges on both heads, didn't see ant difference to the one on the dash, my radiator had only 3 tubes spaced 3/4 inch apart. replaced with 4 tubes 1/2 inch apart. checked out after installing at 70mph in 95 degree weather the temperature ran 190 degrees. you may want to count your tubes in your radiator.