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Beauford

Well-known member
Thanks to you kind gentlemen "Ole Rusty" came to life today. Question? What should outside head temp be around? I have a 160 thermostat but no gauge as of yet. I have some smoke coming off manifold but James (Dreamwerks) said it would smoke a little after the rebuild. I also oiled cylinders 1st before starting. I have 50/50 H2O and antifreeze. Need to fine tune her a little but sounds good.

It all came to life as I must had trash in carb which I cleaned really well and as Mitch stated and others about ground. Bought a 1 gauge cable and man that starter turns that new tight engine like a champ!
 
Check the water temperature in the radiator with a dial meat thermometer. Do this fairly often until you are comfortable with how the temperature is running. You can check the head temp with your infrared at the same time so you can compare.
 
If you have a laser thermometer, you find the head is warmest near the exhaust side... Near the manifold, I've measured 450F+ and at the neck of the radiator neck, I've measured near 200F (I have a 160F theromostat in my upper hose). You car, how long you drive it and the outside temps will surely affect it.
 
Beauford said:
10/4 crosscut! Guess my little oil leak is from being parked on a slight incline on driveway I hope.
Click to expand...

Get your oil level in the middle of the full and low marks. I ran mine right at the full and was constantly dripping. After I lowered it, drips much less.
 
Mine is leaking at passenger are at rear. My drive way does a very slight incline.

How do I know water is circulating in rad? I flushed it and water runs out well. Just scared. When head is hot to the touch it bothers me.
 
I have one of those brass petcocks and coolant comes out so I guess thats good...with out a gauge Im lost. looks like next purchase for the thermo
 
Congrats on a running engine.

I wonder how many reproduction dip sticks are out there that aren't marked correctly? Maybe none... just thinking.

160 degrees is pretty hot to the touch, you wouldn't want to hold your hand there for sure. As the engine is warming up, you should feel the top of the radiator start to heat, should be all the way across and gradually be cooler towards the bottom.

Agree about the video...
In another forum I hang around at the saying is "if there isn't any video, it didn't happen!"
 
CONGRATULATIONS ! ! !

Get to h/freight and get their cheap laser temp gun. Head will be at least 160 if that's what your t/stat is.
Paul in CT
 
Thanks guys...havent driven it yet but stay tuned for video this weekend.

I have a cheapy surface temp lasers and it was reading 200 I shut it off. I'll look inside radiator and see if the therm opens and I see flow? Could bad timing make it hot?
 
Could bad timing make it run hot yes. But it is a new rebuild, it is going to run hotter for a little while. I would be sure to break it in like James said. I'm sure he said how it should be broke in.
 
Thanks George!! He heats up quick...A model A guy told me today his gauge didnt get over 160 driving all day in 75 degree sunshine.
 
Use a meat thermometer or like in the radiator and not your cheap ray gun..u want accuracy

Is your radiator good? Full flow with good heat transfer?
Whats the back story on the radiator your using
 
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I am following James' directions to a tee...just need a body to drive it 45mph. LOL Guy just moved in two houses down who owns a body / restoration shop....gonna get him to look at this Fordor body.
 
Mitch, the back story is it has full flow and it is original 1928. That part of the vehicle was kept in the work shop where I bought the car. There was not a hint of rust when I flushed it or when I plugged it and let it soak with vinegar.
 
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