Overheating 1957

[Keith R.]

I have a 57' 270 3spd. It has always run hot, but last year I got it back from a frame off restoration. The first time out it overheated. It seems the "shop" left a rag in either the radiator or engine as I found I had a radiator full of fiber. They have supposedly fixed the problem. But it still runs hot, about 220 degrees after only 15 minutes. I don't feel comfortable driving it anywhere. Ideas? I'm considering an after market radiator.

[Edward L.]

Re: Overheating 1957

I have a 57' 270 3spd. It has always run hot, but last year I got it back from a frame off restoration. The first time out it overheated. It seems the "shop" left a rag in either the radiator or engine as I found I had a radiator full of fiber. They have supposedly fixed the problem. But it still runs hot, about 220 degrees after only 15 minutes. I don't feel comfortable driving it anywhere. Ideas? I'm considering an after market radiator.

I doubt that anything was left in the radiator by the shop. Most likely mice had decided to make a home. Anytime something is stored for any length of all openings should be sealed.

In my case, I had nearly 40 acorns and fiberglass insulation.

Try repeated flushing to assure yourself that nothing remains that could impede the flow. Could be a cheap fix.

[John H.]

Re: Overheating 1957

But it still runs hot, about 220 degrees after only 15 minutes. I don't feel comfortable driving it anywhere.

Keith -

Have you checked your temp gauge indication against an I.R. gun shot of the upper radiator hose just above the thermostat housing so you know what the gauge is really telling you? This is particularly important if the sending unit was replaced and/or the gauge was worked on during the restoration.

[Adam S.]

Re: Overheating 1957

Keith , I also have the same car & set up with fresh resto. I have the alum. direct fit rad. from Dewitts, it really looks great & it does not over heat, I have a 160 degree stat, when testing engine I let it idle for 15 min. never crept over 175-180. this summer( with loose cap no pressure), although my dash gauge reads 190. Go ahead & test temp.. Sometimes a tight or retarted timming on new rebuild engine will spike up temps during breakin time

[Michael B.]

Re: Overheating 1957

Keith, if after you've checked the obvious areas for heat retention like the rad, and you still are running hot, check the timing. You didn't mention if your restoration included engine work but timing being retarded would be high on my list. You'll see the effects of this in particular under load.

Another possibility is a worn cam lobe. That can get things cooking.

Good luck.

Michael B.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Overheating 1957

Keith,
I have a 57 250 HP FI Powerglide car with an original radiator (cleaned and tested) and running a 160 degree thermostat.
It typically runs at around 170-180 and sometimes 20 degrees hotter in traffic.

Even in the 90 to 95 degree weather we have been having it maintains the same temperatures. These are heat gun readings as the gauge is not accurate.

I would have your radiator cleaned by a radiator shop, remove the drain plugs in the block and throughly flush the block and also the back flush the heater. Also be sure you have a good radiator cap.

In addition the timing should be set to specified numbers.

Good luck.

[Steven B.]

Re: Overheating 1957

Keith, I have a dual 4 '57 with original radiator, engine, etc. Since '64 the only time it has overheated was when I threw the belt. Even autocrossing with timing advanced it didn't overheat. Follow the previous suggestions; check temp gauge accuracy (I have had a sending unit go bad), hoses, flush, check timing.