1959 rebuilt engine overheating

[benkorn]

My newly rebuilt 352 appears to be overheating, according to the gauge. I haven't seen any kind of coolant bubbling up, just a red lining on the gauge. I was going to test the temp using a thermal gun but after about five minutes, I saw a bit of smoke and just called it a day. The last mechanic bypassed the heater core due to a leak. I don't know if that is the cause or even if the bypass is still there. I just want to know that the engine is not overheating. This is the end of my restoration. Everything has been fixed or replaced.

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[59tbirddavid]

This is a problem with most fe block birds. Mine has ac and I would not make ac work until engine would run at proper temperature. That required an aluminum radiator, fan shroud , shroud is special and expensive. Also six blade 18 in fan from Summit. Brakes on these cars suck, disc brakes are a must.

 

[benkorn]

Thank you! The engine overheats with or without the ac on. It was overheating prior to engine replacement with ac on at idle. When engine was rebuilt, i had shop put on larger fan and clutch because i wanted ac without overheating. Air flow from new fan across radiator is upgraded. Radiator is new and aluminum. Shroud is correct shape as original.

 

[Frankie the Fink]

You have to say WHEN the car overheats, generally if you overheat at idle, its an air flow issue, at speed its a coolant flow issue. Also, how much was the rebuilt block bored out, get much over .030 and there isn't enough metal to dissipate heat effectively ? I don't know this particular car but many vintage cars have a lower radiator hose with a spring in it and if its missing because somebody replaced it with another one it can collapse.

Finally pressure check the system...its easy enough to do yourself. with a kit or a shop can do it. If the car has a fan clutch then test that too.