Too Hot...to Fast

[Clois Harlan]

I posted a msg in shop talk about same thing but thought I would take it to the pro's.

New 428 CJ engine rebuild by "reputable" shop. Engine is spiking temp gauge in 3 mins after start. I believe my head gasket (probably right side) has been installed backwards, or is blown, or I have a cracked head (God forbid). Full of oil and water and timing set at 10 deg. Removed thermostat after first time. Water is circulating and no oil appears to be in oil but engine quickly overheats.

What are your thoughts on this...sure looking forward to pulling cast iron heads. Not! Anyway just wanted some input or suggestions before I do the deed.

Thanks.

Clois Harlan

[ERA535]

Make absolutely sure that the cooling system is bled. Easiest way to do that is to crack open the temp guage fitting on the intake manifold until water comes out.

[Clois Harlan]

As it turned out the shop that assembled the engine had put the head gaskets on backwards. They had closed off the rear water jacket. No circulation.

I am taking my heads to be magnafluxed today and buy a new set of top end gaskets. The engine never ran for more than 2 or 3 minutes before I shut it down and I don't think there is a problem w/ the heads but $65.00 is cheap insurance at this point. Hopefully, I will have everything back together tomorrow and there won't be anymore surprises.

Clois

[Michael C Henry]

The thermostat bypas,the little tube between the manifold and coolant pump. It lets coolant circulate untill the thermostat opens.I've seen the steel nipple corrode shut. I've seen the short peice of hose ,which appeared normal from the outsie,witha blister on the inside. It would choke off the flow,.When the thermostat opened the rush of fliud would blow everything out of the coolant recovery tank. when I first removed the hose the restriction was obvious. After a while of sitting on the bench the internal blister dissapeared from the hose. A new chunk of hose and that problem was cured.It wasn't noticeable from the outside and was just stumbled on.Afterwards it all made sense.

[Clois Harlan]

Well the heads checked out just fine but my machinist recommended that I switch to the Edelbrock Aluminium Heads because they disapate heat better and flow much better.

So I caved in and called Summit Saturday and ordered a set of Edelbrock FE Alum heads. They will be here Thursday. Any one need a set of original 1968 428 CJ heads freshly built with Stainless swirl polished valve, brass guides, heavy duty springs, etc.? Cheap only $550.00 (thats what I have in them)?

Thanks everyone for your advise.

[CobraEd]

Alright Clois!! Now you're cookin with gas!!! You just bought yourself at least 50hp with a torque increase across the board.

A lot of people think the new aftermarket heads just increase power because they flow better. That is only half of the equation. They also have the latest technology fast burn heart shaped combustion chambers for much more power too. Year 2001 technology vs 1965 technology!!!

Did you give your buddie the cash to buy them on his card for you so the "boss" would not see the cost ???

Let us know what you think after you get them on.

Ed