mcoo22

Hello all!
I finally got it all plummed and running! It's a 78 460 / c6 w/ a Weiand hi-rise, and a mild comp cam. RUNS REALLY WELL!
Still got a problem though. It runs hotter than I think it should. Starts up well, runs well, but, as you drive it it slowly gets warmer and warmer. I am running dual electric fans, and a 1 1/4 tube aluminum radiator, with a flow cool pump. The engine is wird w/ MSD6a, and a Mallory Unilite distributer. I have the timing set at 12 degrees btc, and the cam is installed 4 degrees advbanced. Where should I start working to try and islolate the problem. I have the w pump outlet from the water pump to the heater blocked off. The watre does not go through the heater at all. Any ideas? Thanks !!

Bert

A slow heating is usually a flow problem. Does the radiator have good flow and the fins are clean? Does it do the same driving or only setting still?

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Bert

Paul Kane

Why do you say it is running too hot? What is the water temperature?

Paul

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mcoo22

Thanks for the help!
The radiator is a NEW Griffin 1 1/2" tube 2 row aluminum radiator.
The themostat is a NEW 160 Hi Flow , with a flow through hole in it. I tested it, it works perfectly.

In Arizona, as you may know, it gets hot. The thrmosat is working correctly, and shows the engine running up to 215 degrees, without the AC on. I am pretty sure that when I charge up the AC, and run it, the enginbe will run even hotter.

The engine seems, to do better at idle, and low speeds, it's when you get out on the highway, and cruise, is when it seems to" inch up".
My previous engine was a 429, and it had pretty high compression. In order to get it to quit pinginh, I had to have the distributor/timing worked on. Maybe, now, with the different engine, it needs to be reset /recurved again?
Am I wrong by thinking, that with 1 60 degree stat, it shouldn't be running this hot?

jim606

I'd say the problem is with the thermostat. It's too cold so it stays open all the time. The water never gets a chance to cool off in the radiator before it's returned to the block. I lived in Barstow, California most of my life, and turning wrenches at a local repair shop I saw this more than once. Put a 180 or 190 in it. You'll be happier.

I never liked Griffin radiators, they are epoxied together, and are next to impossible to fix if, no WHEN they crack and start to leak, or, for that matter, aluminum radiators in general. Copper Brass is far more efficient at transferring heat. You should be making plenty of horse power, an extra 20 or 30 lbs isn't going to slow you down that much. I'd get a 4 or 5 core desert radiator if the thermostat doesn't clear up your issue.

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