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81 New engine still getting hot on

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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 03:21 AM
  #1  
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Default 81 New engine still getting hot on

-Took thermostat out and also checked to see if fluid present at the stat and the top rad hose and there was.
-let the car run with rad cap off, nose lifted to try to get the air out
- watched the rad which had good flow of fluid going through it.
- I took it out around the block to see if it would get any hotter, it maintained a warmer temp but not as hot as it was sitting still. but the biggest disappointment was that it no power.

No professional mech but I have ruled out the stat, water pump, and radiator for the temp problem. The only things I can think of is the timming, and/or the engine driven fan. Since the 81 has a computer is there any other settings on the timing, currently at 10. Emissions say 6 but it roughs really rough at idle and difficult to keep running. Any other suggestions???
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 04:47 AM
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Well... since you diddnt state what "New engine" you have installed and where you are from (thats what your profile is for) I cant give much advice concerning losing the computer and putting a different Carb on your car as far as emission control/inspection goes in your state
Sorry
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 12:39 PM
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Is it a three or four core radiator?
Fan shroud in place, and proper size fan?
I was haveing problems with my 78 and it turned out that
the previous owner "Bubba" put a 16.5 inch fan and it needed a 18.
I put in the 18 inch and no more over heat and I live in vegas.
How long before it over heats?
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 12:53 PM
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New engine with the '81 CCC system hooked up? Oh man this is just ASKING for trouble... What engine is in there?
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 01:28 PM
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OK, take a deep breath and calmly tell us what was done:
CCC system still connected?
What carb
what dist?
how did you set up the timing?
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 01:35 PM
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Runs rough ? Tune it up...check computer for proper operation..have you pulled your plugs ?..they can tell you much as a starting point...
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 01:35 PM
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At this point, I would consider using a vacuum guage to check carb and valve timing.
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 03:47 PM
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If an '81 has a flat tire, everyone immediately blames the CCC system. The system works fine and is an upgrade over earlier set ups for street use. If your engine runs rough at 6 BTDC, you need to find out why. I set mine at 10 before, but it runs fine at 6. Use a factory service manual and go through the diagnostic littany to find the real problem, then you will know what is needed to fix it. God bless, Sensei
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Old Jul 20, 2006 | 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by a1sensei
If an '81 has a flat tire, everyone immediately blames the CCC system. The system works fine and is an upgrade over earlier set ups for street use. If your engine runs rough at 6 BTDC, you need to find out why. I set mine at 10 before, but it runs fine at 6. Use a factory service manual and go through the diagnostic littany to find the real problem, then you will know what is needed to fix it. God bless, Sensei
Notice he has a new engine. The CCC system doesn't like certain cams and especially hates low vaccuum. However, I'm going to bet he likely has a vaccuum leak somewhere.
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Old Jul 22, 2006 | 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by Kalway
Notice he has a new engine. The CCC system doesn't like certain cams and especially hates low vaccuum. However, I'm going to bet he likely has a vaccuum leak somewhere.
The engine is the stock 81 350 5.7, just had it rebuilt a week ago. Here is the list of things i done to check it out. All done while sitting still, drove around the block to see if it would help with more air coming acrossn but it just stabled our just above tehe red.
- Timing done as per the factory specs 6 BTDC done step by step as the factory label says to set. Runs smooth and has the power and get up that it should. No problem starting always on the 1st try it fires.
- New water pump and hoses with no thermo to check for good flow back to the rad. But with the engine getting as hot so quick I not sure putting it back in right now would help any.
- 18" fan with new fan clutch, along with aux fan
- Flushed out Rad prior to re installing back in to car, I could not tell you how many cores it has. Can feel good air flow coming through the rad. I belive it is the original rad that was but on for 81s so that is the next replacement in my book.
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Old Jul 22, 2006 | 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by merrell.a
The engine is the stock 81 350 5.7, just had it rebuilt a week ago. Here is the list of things i done to check it out. All done while sitting still, drove around the block to see if it would help with more air coming acrossn but it just stabled our just above tehe red.
- Timing done as per the factory specs 6 BTDC done step by step as the factory label says to set. Runs smooth and has the power and get up that it should. No problem starting always on the 1st try it fires.
- New water pump and hoses with no thermo to check for good flow back to the rad. But with the engine getting as hot so quick I not sure putting it back in right now would help any.
- 18" fan with new fan clutch, along with aux fan
- Flushed out Rad prior to re installing back in to car, I could not tell you how many cores it has. Can feel good air flow coming through the rad. I belive it is the original rad that was but on for 81s so that is the next replacement in my book.
I am not even sure how to check the CCC to see if it is working correctly.
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Old Jul 22, 2006 | 09:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Bob Onit
Well... since you diddnt state what "New engine" you have installed and where you are from (thats what your profile is for) I cant give much advice concerning losing the computer and putting a different Carb on your car as far as emission control/inspection goes in your state
Sorry
California so tough emission controls
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Old Jul 22, 2006 | 09:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Kalway
Notice he has a new engine. The CCC system doesn't like certain cams and especially hates low vaccuum. However, I'm going to bet he likely has a vaccuum leak somewhere.
That poses another question then before the re built engine the headlights worked fine up and down, but after re building the engine they don't. Could that be a sign of the weak vaccuum and where could I find a good schematic of the vaccuum lines.
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Old Jul 22, 2006 | 11:18 PM
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Originally Posted by merrell.a

where could I find a good schematic of the vaccuum lines.
Try the doc rebuild web site. Better diagrams than any of the repair or assembly manuals.
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