Thread: cooling problems

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Nothing is more frustrating than an overheating car, and as we get into the Summer months it only gets worse. To answer one thing you raised, no, an old car should not run hot. Cars of the era you have were designed with huge cooling systems that were more than up to the task.

The problem is, for a cooling system to function properly lots of components come into play, and each has to be working as designed. The radiator must be clean and in good condition. The water pump has to move the correct amount of water. All hoses must be in good shape and not collapsing or ballooning. The thermostat must be operating properly. The engine block must not be rusted internally. The head gaskets must seal well. The engine timing must be correct, and the vacuum advance working . The fuel mixture must not be lean. The belts must be not slipping, and the fan must be moving enough air, especially when idling at a light.

From your description, I sort of think your problem is air flow. You say it happens after a while, and at lights. If it is cool going down the road, the force of the moving air is keeping it ok, but the fan is not doing it's job. Does it have a shroud around the fan, and is it sealed so that the air is being pulled as it should, over the fins, and not around the radiator. Is three any debris in front of the radiator like dirt and bugs?

I would start at the radiator and if it has not been cleaned for a while, take it to a radiator shop to be done. Then I would check all the other components such as the pump, hoses, belts, etc. Use the proper 50-50 antifreeze mix.

If you still have a problem, have a shop do a coolant/ combustion leak test done. It will determine if exhaust gasses are getting into the coolant. Make sure your vacuum advance is actually working, this is often overlooked.

Every part has to be perfect to work well, your job is to make sure they are doing just that.

Don