53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

Son of a Ford

Son of a Ford

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53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

Working on a 1950 Ford with an 8BA flathead that continues to run hotter than I’d like.
Here’s what has been done so far:
• Complete cooling system descaled and flushed (CLR, then neutralized and flushed thoroughly)
• New reproduction radiator
• New 160° thermostats with bleed holes drilled
• Both water pumps show good flow (confirmed with clear tubing during the flush)
• Both upper radiator hoses get hot within about a minute of running
• Timing currently set at approximately 10° BTDC
• No fan shroud installed
• 50/50 traditional green antifreeze and distilled water
With the radiator cap off, a thermometer in the neck reads about 215°F and slowly climbs. On a short drive it stabilizes at the top of the gauge. After the last drive, a small amount of coolant came out of the bypass hose once parked.
Any suggestions on what to look at next would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

Pressurized radiator cap? What radiator cap are you using?
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

The cap is being pressurized, 7lbs I believe. Cap is new from Shoebox Central, along with the thermostats.
 

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Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

I believe your timing is too far retarded at 10 degrees. Should be 4 degrees before TDC IIRC.
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

Try using a 10 or 15 psi cap on your pressurized system.
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

It’s possible that is the case. Haven’t tried it that low. It’s hard to believe it’s all in the timing but I don’t have much experience on the flatheads.
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

Are you implying that the thermostats are opening within a minute of operation as you mention the hoses got hot within that amount of time? My guess there is air trapped in the system.
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

Yes I was implying that the hoses were getting close to hot within a minute of run time. While filling the system I left the cap off to bleed the trapped air. The only place that air could get trapped is in the heater core area but it is in the open position all of its hoses were hot as well.

I turned the engine off once it reached the top of the gauge, with the cap off, and about half a gallon burped out.

I don’t see how any air would be trapped after that.
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

19fordy a higher pressure cap could buy me time before relieving pressure through the bypass but in the end it still way too hot.
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

Currently running at 20 inches of vacuum.
 

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Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

If you are puking a small amount of coolant out the rad overflow I’d try a different gauge.
Rereading your post looks like you’ve done everything right outside of the thermostats are too low at 160. It would run/idle a lot better and cleaner@180

Original owner of our car had installed a “cam” but had no idea what. It pulls well with an automatic rear gear and T-10 4 speed..
My timing is mechanical 22*@ 2300
At idle 14*@15”vac (about 750RPMs)
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

sorry,Just caught your latest heat within 1 minute
Gotta be timing
A question, how full are you filling the radiator? Cold with no puke tank should just cover the core
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

It was about a pint that came out after the test drive. Really the only thing I haven’t done is take the water pumps off and inspect. I figured after spinning them during the flush and seeing really good flow that they would be fine. There is a possibility that flow at low RPMs is insufficient. 160 thermostats were recommended by Shoebox Central as they are very familiar with this car. Oh and it is in Texas and 107 outside.
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

I was topping off the radiator, maybe it needs to just purge the excess coolant and the level will be fine.
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

Any bubbles or foam in the coolant? A blown head gasket could be causing your problem...
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

I drilled my thermostats same as you and I will feel some heat after a minute. Not hot but some
I'm outside of Las Vegas, I would like 107.
I disagree with SB Central. Out flat motors run much better @180
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

51504bat said:
I believe your timing is too far retarded at 10 degrees. Should be 4 degrees before TDC IIRC.
Click to expand...

He stated his timing is a 10 BTDC, wouldn't that be more "advanced" than being a 4 Btdc?
 
Re: 53 8BA Flathead Running Hot – Looking for Cooling Advice

New reproduction radiator? Whatcha got there? Aluminum or brass? 2or 3 row? How close is your fan to the radiator? Should be about an inch. A shroud can definitely help. Air flow directional shields in place? Can air get around the radiator instead of through it? Have you tested your thermostats in a pot of boiling water?
 
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