QuestionQUESTION: My 1954 Mercury V8 overheats at idle and during stop and go driving. I have back flushed the engine, replaced the radiator core, hoses, etc but have not been able to cure the problem. What other options do I have to fix this problem? Thank you.
ANSWER: check flow rate of water pump. As I always ask, how is the heater. Is it by-passed? If so, how?
Have you ran a compression check? Do you have water loss?
If you will answer these questions, it will make your problem easier to pinpoint.
Also, double check the firing order. That would do it.
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QUESTION: The car has had this problem for many years according to the previous owners. The water pump is brand new and the heater is good. The car is not loosing water. It doesn't use any anti freeze and the motor runs good.
The car is in Florida and I am in Colorado. Checking the compression is on my list of things to do when I get back down there.
I sure appreciate your quick response. If anything else comes to mind based on the additional information, please let me know. Thank you!
AnswerI knew a guy that drove with the wrong firing order for 7 years, before I first saw his car. It always ran hot.
Make sure your timing is on the mark also.
Make sure you have the correct temp. thermostat and try running without one to see if it solves the problem, so you know whether it is a water problem or air.
If the car is not overheating at top speed, and the other things check out, you obviously have an air flow / water flow problem that is remedied when air is forced past the radiator at a higher rate of speed than the fan will pull it. Either you don't normally get enough air, or the air is not cooling the water enough due to lack of water cycle.
