58 overheating

[Randy M.]

I have a fresh rebuild, new aluminum radiator, rebuilt water pump, 180 degree thermostat that opens correctly and after ten minutes running water is gurgling, spewing, steaming at radiator cap. I have heater hose running direct from inlet to outlet. what could be wrong? help!

[John O.]

Re: 58 overheating

Hi Randy

I had same problem with my 62. The problem was my expansion tank was full the the overheated water had no where to go except out the overflow hose. Check and keep your tank about 1/2 full and see if it does it again.You might have a bad fan clutch also.

Good luck...John

[Ken Magrene #44841]

Re: 58 overheating

if engine was just installed - may also be airbound - try removing thermostat or pushing open with screwdriver - the fill block with antifreeze - hope this can help you - also check your fan clutch

[steve westphal]

Re: 58 overheating

It's a C1......!

[John H.]

Re: 58 overheating

Randy -

Your '58 has no expansion tank or fan clutch, so the system is pretty simple; I'd suspect either air in the system or a thermostat that's installed upside-down. Assuming the thermostat is correctly installed, I'd run it for a few minutes after the thermostat opens with the radiator cap off so it can "burp", and monitor the coolant level in the radiator.

[Randy M.]

Re: 58 overheating

John - you're right - no expansion tank. No clutch fan. Thermostat is in correct. I've tried removing the radiator and running a constant stream of cold water into water neck and let it flow out bottom hose. It still is getting too hot. How can I be sure air is out of system? Also, what is correct ratio of coolant to water in system? THanks.

[John H.]

Re: 58 overheating

Randy -

You're trying to run the coolant backwards against the flow from the water pump with your hose setup - the thermostat housing is the coolant OUTLET to the radiator, and the lower hose at the water pump is the coolant INLET to the engine. Without the radiator, you want to feed water IN at the water pump, and OUT at the thermostat housing.

I've always filled a fresh engine with coolant through the thermostat opening in the intake manifold until the level rises to the edge (which expels any air in the block passages), then installed the thermostat and housing/upper hose, top it up at the radiator fill opening, fire it up, and adjust coolant level as required after the thermostat opens. Photo below of the funnel I modified for this - it sits straight up by itself in the thermostat hole, and the drilled holes in the neck allow for coolant fill and level monitoring as you fill.

Correct anti-freeze/water ratio is 50-50.

Do you have the correct fan, spacer, and shroud installed?

[Randy M.]

Re: 58 overheating

Thanks, John. I'll try that today. I don't have the shroud installed yet. body is still off car. I have a portable fan blowing at front of car.

[John H.]

Re: 58 overheating

Randy -

A portable fan won't cut it - you need the fan and shroud installed in order to cool it.

[Joe L.]

Re: 58 overheating

John and Randy-----

Absolutely! Positively!