1964 wild cat

Discussion in ''Da Nailhead' started by dirk401425, Mar 16, 2013.

  1. dirk401425

    dirk401425 Well-Known Member

    just bought a 64 wild cat. its got the 445 401 nailhead. it overheats. the radiator is new. i thought the thermostat might be sticking. i opened the water neck and there was no thermostat:puzzled:. are the water jackets throughout the motor corroded and clogged? if so, what is the best way to flush the motor?
     
  2. Bigpig455

    Bigpig455 Fastest of the slow....

    It you're going to start anywhere, flushing the whole system is what I'd do....pay special attention to the radiator and make sure that has good flow. I'd say they clog up more often than actual block water passages, at least thats been my experience.

    Has this thing been off the road for a while?

    Cool car BTW, 63's and 64's are some of my favorites! Lets see some pictures!
     
  3. 75Riv

    75Riv A.K.A. Harry Clamshell

    Broken coolant/water pump?
     
  4. dirk401425

    dirk401425 Well-Known Member

    yes its been sittin for a while long time says the guy i got it from.
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    ---------- Post added at 10:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:09 AM ----------

    it runs and drivers great besides it over heatin.
     
  5. Bigpig455

    Bigpig455 Fastest of the slow....

    Run some water through that radiator and see what you see.....
     
  6. dirk401425

    dirk401425 Well-Known Member

    whats a good process to flush out everything. jus open the drain and feed in a hose while running? any designated flush out products recommended besides draino?
     
  7. Bigpig455

    Bigpig455 Fastest of the slow....

    If you go to any auto parts store they used to sell flush kits, and you can splice a hose T into your system - I'm not sure the best product or chemicals to use, but straight water under pressure has always worked well for me....
     
  8. austingta

    austingta Well-Known Member

    The best way is to remove the bottom hose from the radiator and shove your hose up there. The water will go through the engine, out the thermostat housing, and through the radiator and out.
     
  9. roadrunnernz

    roadrunnernz Gold Level Contributor

    Once flushed you DO need to replace the thermostat; otherwise the water can move thru the radiator too fast and fail to dissipate heat sufficiently.
    Did you clean out all the old gas in the car? Just a wild thought but mine ran lean (inlet gasket issue) and that caused it to run hot. Not sure if a gummed up jet might do the same thing.
     
  10. dirk401425

    dirk401425 Well-Known Member

    cool thanks. I'll give it all a try.
     

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