Help explain why

[Seth Swoboda]

If the radiator has not been or recently been removed and "rodded out" or thoroughly cleaned then I would do this also. It will not be the fastest fix or the cheapest but when the venerability of the flathead V8 is heat then a radiator that is not functioning at 100% efficiency will give you lots of overheat problems. I have the radiator out of a '35 Ford now for this very problem. I also did this procedure to a '47 Ford last summer and it solved the run hot problem.

 

[ttom]

I had similar situation with my 8BA due to insufficient spark advance. I found the problem by disconnecting and plugging the vacuum source at the distributor then using strobe light to check degrees of advance at 2000 rpm. Also, take a look at your spark plugs; if they have a lot of carbon on them, that could point to insufficient spark advance when throttle is open (=lower vacuum).

 

[19Fordy]

Got the shroud from Walker. They make it to fit their radiator. I cut it in half horizontally so it would be easy to remove and install. My Motor City Flathead heads are made not to accept a thermostat. Engine is stock 239 on the inside except for Johnson adjustable lifters

 

[Kahuna]

Andy
My guess is the radiator needs cleaning/rodding out.
JMO
Regards
Jim

 

[Tinker]

...

 

[adileo]

Hi guys

I backed off the vacuum brake screw one full turn. Took car on Tuesday to a cruise night which involved a 20 minute drive on highway. The car never exceed 195 degrees.

I’m hopeful that this solved the problem. However more test rides needed as it was a cool day here in NJ, Tuesday night.

More to come...

 

[Tinker]

I don't want to name names. But a well educated guy that posted here and the hamb always said to take the brake up to nothing. It's really a crude system that works well when it's maintained and perfect.

Let the posts rain down about how well theirs works if setup properly. .

Fine tuning is an art.