440 Running HOT

[67Sat]

I have a freshly rebuilt 440 with about 50 miles on it that's running hot going down the road (210-220 F) Has a 4 core radiator , new water pump , new thermostat (185) and still runs HOT when driving down the road. Am I missing anything ? Don't have it fully timed , could this create the issues ?

 

[eric383]

Both timing and or a lean fuel mixture will cause overheating. Did you make sure all the air pockets are out of the cooling system? What are you running as far as coolant? Any Water Wetter or similar product? Also is you gauge reading correctly? Good luck.

 

[furyus]

What are you running for a fan?

 

[67Sat]

Currently running water and a gallon of antifreeze , no other product in system. Spot checked with infrared thermometer so I believe gauge to be correct. boiled over when I got home after 8 miles on road. Stock 440 fan

 

[Ron Ward]

A fresh rebuild will run a bit hot until the rings seat. Lots of friction in the new holes...

Check for the easy things, however...

Lean (result of carb issues or vacuum leak)
Too much timing
Dirty or clogged radiator
Lower radiator hose being sucked flat
Missing fan shroud
Bad fan clutch
Air pocket in cooling system (did you turn on your heater, yet?)

 

[67Sat]

Thanks Ron Ward I will check those things out. If there were an air pocket in cooling system how do you remedy ? I do not have a fan shroud currently , could that still effect heat going down the road ?

A fresh rebuild will run a bit hot until the rings seat. Lots of friction in the new holes...

Check for the easy things, however...

Lean (result of carb issues or vacuum leak)
Too much timing
Dirty or clogged radiator
Lower radiator hose being sucked flat
Missing fan shroud
Bad fan clutch
Air pocket in cooling system (did you turn on your heater, yet?)

 

[Ron Ward]

My favorite method of getting rid of air pockets is to drill a small 3/16" diameter hole in the thermostat like this.

 

[67Sat]

:grin: Thanks !

My favorite method of getting rid of air pockets is to drill a small 3/16" diameter hole in the thermostat like this.

View attachment 207466

 

[terzmo]

What are you running for a fan?

fan is useless at highway speeds so not in the formula

Lower hose could be collapsing....is the thermostat opening ? Condition of waterpump and how old is the rad...26 inch 4 core ? timming? and I always drill a hole or two in the stat

 

[coloradodave]

"Not fully timed" is a red flag on a newly rebuilt motor. If you don't have a timing light, ADVANCE the timing a little at a time (turn distributor CW) until you get a 'ping' on acceleration or the motor 'labors' to turn over when trying to start it. At that point, 'slightly' retard the timing ( turn distributor CCW) until there is no pinging and motor spins well on starting. Being retarded will definitely put heat in the motor. Also check that all vacuum hoses are connected. Good luck...

 

[Dennis H]

Timing is good advice. What is the temp at the thermo housing vs the lower hose? Coolant should be the green standard type. Mine got hot on the very first drive after rebuild, but subsided quickly. Good op to heat-cycle and snug bolts and hose clamps too. Leave 2-3 inches from the neck in the radiator. Add a water-wetter or Purple Ice for a little insurance, reduces surface tension of the coolant and can't hurt.

 

[IQ52]

Brand new engine not fully timed and it is running hot? Suprise!

Back to basics, "Gentlemen, this is a football!" Vince Lombardi

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8992/overview/

Engines will generally run hot when they are retarded!

 

[mopar12372]

440 source aluminum water pump housing could do this

 

[Garys1969RR]

My 451 ran a little warm when I first was breaking it in. It was 102 on a hot july afternoon, slight uphill climb on an interstate, 12 to 1 C/R, started pinging and detonating so bad I had to shut er down, turn around and go downhill. Got to the nearest garden hose and sprayed the radiator while the engine was running. That cooled it off after a few minutes! No harm done, it runs mid 12s @ 110 MPH now.

- - - Updated - - -

As has been said, lean condition, retarded timing, new parts mating to each other, which causes higher than normal internal friction, all this contributes to more heat build up. If you get too much heat and it begins to ping, detonation will follow which can ruin the engine.

 

[coloradodave]

Brand new engine not fully timed and it is running hot? Suprise!

Back to basics, "Gentlemen, this is a football!" Vince Lombardi

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-8992/overview/

Engines will generally run hot when they are retarded!

Please see #10 above...lol

 

[67Sat]

UPDATE : It was discovered that my new 4-core radiator that sat in my truck before motor install for a few years was invaded by MICE. The corrosion of pee had plugged allot of the cores ... I Learned my lesson They are nasty creatures...

 

[Riverdawg]

What a bummer. Was it able to be cleaned out and saved or did you have to go with a new one?