1953 Straight 8 - Cooling Problems

[decolmtd]

I recently cleaned the engine compartment and when doing so I put in a new water pump, new radiator, all new hoses, thermastat etc. When the car sits at traffic lights or people traffice at Old Town it will run hot. I have read your forum and right now have the exhaust manifold off to paint. It seems the flapper was stuck in the closed - cold position, I have changed the position to the open - hot position as you have suggested. I have also cleaned out the pitcock valve on the drivers side of engine. Any other things I can check while I have the car apart? I will also be installing a 14" pusher fan to see if this will also help out the over heating. When running at low and high speeds it does not seem to overheat, only when sitting for extended periods of time.

[Larry]

The heat riser being stuck closed is a real problem, not only for running hot, but also for burning valves. It is good that you caught this, and putting in the open position is good. You might want to wire it or something to be certain it never closes again.

Cleaning the petcock is fine, but doesn't "reach" into the engine for much benefit. When you replaced the water pump, you should have pulled out the water distrubution tube to be certain it isn't rotted out. It distruibutes the cooling water to the precise places it is needed.

I assume you have the correct thermostat or have removed completely (which is OK). Before putting on the extra fan, I would experiment with the heat riser opened first. These stratight eights weren't necessarily a problem engine when it comes to over heating.

Was that your green '53 onthe "back street" row at Old Town a few weeks ago? Nice car!

Keep us posted on your progress.

[decolmtd]

I hope I have the right thermastat, bought it from California Restoration, I do have circulation when running. I might try removing if the problem persists. I have a feeling the heat riser is the problem. I had to pry it to change direction, I don't think it will move on its own.
Yes I have a 1953 Chieftain was at Old Town a few weeks ago, my grandfather bought this car new. Thanks for the info.

[Larry]

Rich at California Pontiac Restoration is good and would get you the right part.

The heat riser was probably contributing a lot to the problem. Do some test runs and see how it does now. I had a '54 Star Chief straight-8 that I moved to Florida with in 1982 (from Wisconsin). It had a new radiator and about everything else original and never gave a bit of over heat problems down here. Wish I still had it!!

You are one of the lucky few who have an original family car. Enjoy it to the max!

I'm glad you are using the free membership "Test Drive" we gave at the show. Please, when it comes due, renew and help support all that we are doing for the Pontiac hobbyists. If you check under "Afiliates" and them "member discounts" you will see many suppliers giving our members nice discounts-- California Pontiac Restoration included-- 10%!!

We look forward to hearing more about your Pontiac adventures.

[decolmtd]

Once I get everything back together it will get a few test runs, will let you know. I would not have known about that heat riser if I had not come to this site and read some of the forum questions. This site has been quite informative and I will support it the best I can. We do enjoy the car, many people are amazed that it is a family car, I also have all the paper work on the car, thanks to my Mother for putting it all up when the car came to my father. Again many thanks!