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Jun 9, 2008 | 07:30 PM

kessler

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From: kill devil hills nc

454 heat

I have got my 454 engine finally started after a long frame off. Engine was rebuilt and ran before frame off. It sat idle for a few years. It started right up after hookup and some gas. I have a new dewitts radiator, water pump, thermostat and hoses. When I start it up and let it sit idleing with the top off the expansion tank, I have water movement(is this normal??). The Top radiator hose has zero pressure. The car seems to get pretty hot quick and still no pressure on top radiator hose. I believe the thermostat should open so the cool water in radiator can flow thru engine (top hose). Should the top hose have water in it all the time??? Do I have air in the system and need to do something to get rid of the air?? Maybe I just need to run longer, but I believe I passed the temp for thermostat to open. I do not have a gauge hooked up yet for temp. I let it Idle for 5-10 minutes. Need some advice.

Thanks

Jun 9, 2008 | 07:37 PM

weimer20

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2007

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From: Ventura California

I've been able to burp air out of the system by grabbing the hose and repeatedly compressing it with my hand.

Jun 9, 2008 | 08:25 PM

A88FXRS

Racer

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 374

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From: PHILADELPHIA PA

Hot Water From Engine Flows Out Hose Toward Radiator To Be Cooled And In From Bottom To Pump Thru Engine.

Jun 9, 2008 | 08:46 PM

kessler

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From: kill devil hills nc

Quote:

Originally Posted by A88FXRS

Hot Water From Engine Flows Out Hose Toward Radiator To Be Cooled And In From Bottom To Pump Thru Engine.

so if the bottom hose goes from the radiator to the engine and the top
goes from engine to radiator. then my question should the top hose be full always or only when thermostat is open?????

Jun 9, 2008 | 09:33 PM

zwede

Race Director

Joined: Sep 1999

Posts: 11,361

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From: Plano TX

Having some air in the top hose is normal. You most likely still have to much air in the system. Keep a close eye on the temp gauge and keep putting coolant into the expansion tank.

Jun 9, 2008 | 10:05 PM

gve

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2005

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From: Appleton Wisconsin

Drill a 1/8" hole in your thermostat on the outer part, this makes the corvette fill easy with no air. This is a old trick that mechanics have used for years on these cars.

Jun 10, 2008 | 12:05 AM

73, Dark Blue 454

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,838

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From: Austin TX

Are you running the little bypass hose between the intake and the pump?

I'm sure the thermostat isn't upside down,..right?

If you don't have the temp guage hooked up, what makes you believe it's running hot?

Jun 10, 2008 | 06:35 AM

kessler

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From: kill devil hills nc

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73, Dark Blue 454

I do have the bypass hose. I believe the thermostat is installed correctly. I did hook up temp gauge (yesterday) and the reading was way high above 220, didn't take long. I do not know if this is accurate though. It just seems too hot and I do not want to damage the engine.