I cannot seem to keep my 1960 LeSabre model 4419 cool. It never used to have this problem. I have a stewart warner gauge in it and a 160 thermostat. On a cool 50 degree night, it will run 180 going down the highway. In town on a summer day, it can easily hit 220. I have recored the radiator and a new fuel pump. The heads were done a while ago but I cannot keep it cool. I do not think the gauge is bad but I do not know how to test it. Anybody have any ideas? I was told not to put Eastwood's Radiator Relief in the radiator. It boasts up to a 30 degree decrease in temp. Anyone know anything about this stuff? I would appreciate the help.
allan put it in the bench spot and wrenchen forum as well. i like that car as well put it in the help from above as well
I just put in a 160 degree thermostat, I put on the fan gaurd/ shroud on the top of the radiator and let it idle. After about 25 minutes, the temp. gauge read 230 degrees and climbing. Something is definitely wrong!!!!! Eastwood's Radiator Relief or Evans cooling products will not solve this one. Something is wrong when a can is running 70 degrees over the thermostat rating. I would give almost anything to solve this problem. It is the smoothest, quietest engine I have ever heard. It runs perfectly, perfectly hot that is. I know you all have asked me about the timing and the vacuum advance. I have checked all that out. I have had a flow test done on the radiator and it passed with flying colors. Cooling systems are not that complicated. The only thing that I can think of is the water pump. I do not remember when I put it on but it was at least 6 years ago. What I do remember though is that it had cast iron impellers. It is not leaking so I do not think it is bad. If anyone has any ideas other than what has been discussed, I would be forever grateful. Thank you in advance. Al
You should first of all know if the water pump is good. The fins or impeller could be so worn or rusted away that it can't move any water. Could your engine have air trapped in the water passages? Sometimes you have to burp them. If the radiator cap is lower than the engine, air will not be forced out when you fill up the radiator. Take the radiator cap (or the t.stat housing) off, and jack up the front of the car. Then fill it up and see if it gets hot. Have you been able to see if water is actually circulating through the engine? Let it idle with the cap off and see if you can see water in the radiator moving after the t.stat opens. Be careful and don't get a scalding. Coul there be a piece of rust or trash, or even an old freeze plug blocking a water passage? As a last resort, take a water hose and rig up a way to force water through the engine, with or without the water pump hooked up. You are right, this isn't rocket science. I bet you get it figured out soon.
Did you do the pot and stove test on the thermostat yet? Take a turkey thermometer or whatever they call it and put that in the pot, hang the thermostat with a peice of bailing wire or coat hanger so you can watch for it to open. Just turn the stove on and watch the thermostat, if it doesn't open at around 160 you got a bad one.
