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Old 01-31-2013, 01:09 PM
19dec45 19dec45 is offline
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rolleyes2 440 running hot

440 that is slightly modified with Edelbrock high performance kit. runs great on the highway, but wants to heat up driving in town. Is there a quick fix, or will I have to do the trial and error. So far, I have changed out the thermostat to a 160. I have a direct fan on it without a clutch. It has a clean 26" radiator with a new shroud. I have a high volume water pump to apply along with a high volume thermostat to match the water pump. What else can be done to make this ole girl run cooler. Right now she runs at 190 to 210 and pees all over the place.
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Old 01-31-2013, 04:30 PM
Skwerly Skwerly is offline
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Honestly, I’m not sure why folks go the 160 thermo route. I think 180 is a better bet, but that’s neither here nor there for your issue, I guess.

Are you sure the fan is pushing the CFMs you need? What do you mean direct? Electric?
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Old 01-31-2013, 05:25 PM
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I think I read somewhere that a high volume water pump moves the coolant so fast it doesn't get a chance to exchange heat in the radiator.
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Old 01-31-2013, 05:45 PM
John Kunkel John Kunkel is offline
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When you say "heat up" what is the actual temperature?
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Old 02-01-2013, 03:53 PM
Skwerly Skwerly is offline
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190 to 210, he said.
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Old 02-01-2013, 04:19 PM
John Kunkel John Kunkel is offline
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If 190-200 is the max it's not "overheating", and dumping coolant from the overflow is normal (assuming the cap is good) that's why they went to catch bottles and coolant recovery.
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Old 02-01-2013, 04:51 PM
chirorod chirorod is offline
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I agree with John that 190-210 is ok. The fact that it is "peeing" suggests either it has an enlarged prostate (if it's male) or the radiator cap is not sealing (or too low a pressure rating) or there is air in the system and it's boiling because of the air not allowing proper cooling.
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Old 02-01-2013, 07:29 PM
19dec45 19dec45 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skwerly View Post
Honestly, I’m not sure why folks go the 160 thermo route. I think 180 is a better bet, but that’s neither here nor there for your issue, I guess.

Are you sure the fan is pushing the CFMs you need? What do you mean direct? Electric?
not electric, but a fan without a thermal clutch. not sure of cfm's
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Old 02-01-2013, 07:31 PM
19dec45 19dec45 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Kunkel View Post
When you say "heat up" what is the actual temperature?


200 to 210 and pees all over the place
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Old 02-01-2013, 07:43 PM
19dec45 19dec45 is offline
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200 to 210 is where it starts. I have let the engine heat as high as 230 but have not allowed it to get hotter. not sure how hot it might get
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Old 02-01-2013, 11:51 PM
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First of all, a 160 t-stat will NOT fix an overheating engine. If it overheats with a 180, there is no logical reason to believe that a lower temp thermostat will change things.

Anyway, I believe 160, should it cool that much, is too cool for a street motor. You'll only wear the engine out quicker.

Get a pressure test done on your cooling system and radiator cap.
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Old 02-02-2013, 08:04 AM
chirorod chirorod is offline
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Didn't reaize from your first post that temp will keep on climbing. Sounds like it's time for a combustion leak test and a compression test. If compression is low in two adjacent cylinders, there is the leak. Also do visual inspection of the breather cap and dip stick. If the oil looks milky or like a milk shake, probable compression leak into the cooling system. With engine cool, look at the coolant. If it has oil in it, probable compression leak. As was already said, a lower temp thermostat does not cure overheating.
Had a car in the shop once where someone had put the thermostat in upside down.
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Old 02-02-2013, 08:05 AM
chirorod chirorod is offline
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Sorry to do a second post, but the old brain forgot something. A plugged exhaust can cause overheating.
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Old 02-02-2013, 09:02 AM
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What vehicle is this 440 in and is it the original motor?
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