Rookie needs help with 50 flathead

Update again thanks for all the help. Could not work on it last night had to take wife out for anniversary. Tonight and to answer a few questions I am not running thermostat. I am on my second new water pump. Ok bought a vac gauge hooked up to manifold bounced like crazy form 0-17. I could get it to somewhat stabilize at 16 at about 3000 rpm. Hooked it inline to vac line off carb to dist reading was about 4 went to zero when motor rpm increased. Next took Walts suggestion brought problem cyl no 2 to tdc applied air had air flow out carb Pulled intake exhaust a tight feeler gauge at .016. Intake could not get .007 feeler under it thinking I got in a hurry and did not butt grind. I think my next step I'd to pull head and redo intake unless anyone thinks I am off track. Thinking the lack of spark advance is causing overheating? Not sure if the valve issue could be causing this. Open for ideas and suggestions Oh I also filled cooling system with vinegar.
 
You've got the intake manifold off, SO, now make sure the piston in about on top compression stroke, stick the air down the intake port, stuff a rag around it, squirt some fluid around the head of the int. valve, blow some air into the port and see if air and bubbles are coming around the head of the valve. I think you''ll find that valve is not seating. You'll have to remove it to butt grind it to set clearance , lap the valve in good then check clearance and hook it back up. Nothing to it. Walt
 
Hi guys I am back got compression issue resolve intake was not seating. Heating problem continues not sure what to try next. I have tried just about everything everyone has suggested. Still getting wild vac readings of manifold bouncing from 5 to 15 very rapidly. Not sure what this is telling me. have gone thru carb 3 times. Thinking about trying a rochester 2 gc. goes to 210 on temp after idling for 10 minutes. Make it a good day thanks.
 
If you are at TDC when idling,
if you take the top hose off and get a bucket and see how much you are pumping in a minute. Then do same thing to other side. NO temps. Check belt tension. Measure amount.
 
Hi Pats1950, Great thread!

I'm on your overheating issue... Sounds like the compression is solved (Yippee!), and some of our best engine experts are already on the case with you there.

Since you're full of vinegar right now, I'd be curious, when you drain it, how much comes out (and what does it look like)? (I've never had to try that technique.) Your issue could be low fluid quantity for some weird reason even when the system seems full, yes? You said it's a new radiator, but new doesn't always work right, you feel me? I'd be equally skeptical of the water pumps for the same reason. In post #21 I read you've had two new ones, did that mean one of the new ones was a defect or your replaced both with new ones, not sure.

Maybe also a hose is collapsing and restricting flow.

George/Maine above has a great idea, test the water flow output quantity from each pump.

Good luck.
 
Updates I will run suggested flow test. Belt tension is good all belts and hoses are new. Dumped vinegar out I was amazed took all hoses off put garden use in top inlet flowed muddy river brown for about 10 mins after 20 tan after 30 clear. Filled with 50/50 ran for 20mins went to 220. The radiator I have is a new alum Champion on out Georgia I think. mileage on truck when I got it was 68000 OD still works. Just about ready to full and put in 42 straight six I picked up had it running this weekend on test stand. Thinking about trying a different intake manifold I have two other ones. I also have tryed to different distributors. Just about totally stumped maybe I can tear down this winter and try to get to the bottom of this.
 
As you see from your radiator cleaning, there was a lot of stuff in there. Problem is this is not enough to really clean it. You talked about running the hose for 10, 20 & 30 min. was that on each side or just one side? Also, it may take more than one cleaning. Ideally you would manually clean the back water jackets. Another issue may be a clogged radiator with all of the junk in the system.
 
Ran flow test drivers side original water pump 2 1/2 gallons one min shot across garage as rims increased. Passenger side zip zilch nada. I got a trickle when I increased RPMs. Ai know I have good flow through block when I added water to top on radiator had immediate equal flow out top hose which was removed for test I had blocked of inlet. The only reason I changed original pump seal was leaking this is the second pump from Speedway Motors emailing them now. Couple of updates when I said I beat it out I beat the seized piston out of cylinder with no damage to the cylinder wall. When I flushed out vinegar I did 10,20 and 30 on each side. Sounds to me like I need to get another passenger side pump. I tested with both a 4lb and 15lb cap. Still not sure on wild vac readings? Thanks again for all the help.
 
That's good you found a pump bad ,I have 2 speedway pumps and mine runs hotter then I like. Your vac reading is most likely a worn cam and may have to live with it.
When you get it out on the road watch the temps with anti freeze 200 to 210 Degs.not bad.
 
HI guys ordered third water pump will update after I receive. Thanks again for all the help. Might need more help in future the fire department I belong to is restoring a 1945 Ford pumper that my dad a founding member started our department with. The motor is being professionally restored by a shop in Auburn, Indiana. Did some research on it it was a United Air Force truck to start with since this was during the war years. My dad and his buddies came home from the war and started the department with this truck. Have a good day.
 
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