Hey guys, so I'm trying to get my dads cuda on the road again after 30 years. So I got dad a carb to get it to fire and it literally fires straight up like it never sat, but dad was telling me he has a overheating issue this was back in the 90s so before i was born, dad replaced many a thermostats , still tried to overheat, radiator recorded, same thing, he put some sealant in it but he said he was young and didn't know that it wasn't good. So I'm down to the water pump. I heard timing and running to lean can cause it to over heat, timing good, carb was a old 1920, replaced with a stromberg model w. Need to check the head and head gasket, but I know the block ain't cracked. Is there any other things that cause overheating on a slant 6? Thanks guys.
Mike

There has been instances where the vanes rusted off of the water pump impeller. It could also be that the block is crudded up with rust and grunge. You might also want to look at the condition of the radiator hoses, as there have also been examples of them collapsing during operation, which messes with the ability to actually flow coolant.

Just a couple things to look for.

Roger

Cooling systems depend upon both air and water flow as well as a difference in temperature between the two. Increasing each flow and the temperature difference between the two increases heat transfer. You should also make sure that the engine is indeed running hot as your gauge may be faulty. See cooling system.

I would start off by verifying how hot the engine gets. Get yourself a digital thermometer (you can even use it for cooking) and place it in the open neck of the radiator. Let the engine idle and note the temperature and how it corresponds to the lines on your gauge. When the thermostat opens (ie, the thermostat's rating, eg 160° /180° / 195°), there should be a noticeable flow increase through the rad. Be careful: coolant is obviously very hot and can scald.

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1965 Plymouth Barracuda,
225 engine, Quadrajet, HEI, Dutra Duals, 904 Torqueflite, 2.76:1 axle, Addco front bar
Rods & Relics - Fort Erie, ON / Collector Car Tech

HERE is another great place to learn about old Mopar cooling systems and how to keep them functioning well.

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

Thanks for the tips guys, just talked to dad and he said it didnt always try to over heat, dad did recored the radiator, put a new thermostat in there. But dad cant really remember what all he did, hasn't really messed with it in 30 years and been in my grandmother's garage preserved, thought I'd do something for my dad since hes always wanting to drive it again. But like he said it didnt always try to overheat, and he caught it in time before it got too hot. And Frank were gonna try that thermometer trick like you said. Thanks guys
Mike

Pull the plug on the side of the block and go to town with a pick of any kind and clean out all that crud in the hole. Replace bolt when done! Good Luck

A citric acid flush will remove the rust and scale at the bottom of the water jacket. Depending upon how bad the buildup, you might need to repeat once or twice but I would drive it first for a while to see what difference it made.

_________________
1965 Plymouth Barracuda,
225 engine, Quadrajet, HEI, Dutra Duals, 904 Torqueflite, 2.76:1 axle, Addco front bar
Rods & Relics - Fort Erie, ON / Collector Car Tech