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ZZ502 Runs HOT!

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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 11:43 AM
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Default ZZ502 Runs HOT!

What would cause a ZZ502 to run HOT. I mean it goes from cold to 230 in about three miles.
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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 12:32 PM
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Lots of things could cause that but I would start with a stuck thermostat.
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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 12:40 PM
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Thermostat works and even tried it with the thermostat out. Water pump is correct and works. Timing is set at 10 deg no vac advance per the instructions. Radiator is new champion.
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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 12:46 PM
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Check that your gauge is correct. A infrared temp tool on the stat housing may be a good check.
A lot of big blocks run hot in corvettes. Big engine, small space. Poor under hood air flow, etc.
Check that most outside air is going through the radiator. Install foam around the edges of the radiator.
Thermostat--check by boiling on your stove.
Timing.
Radiator.
Fan.

Last edited by Sayfoo; Nov 6, 2019 at 12:47 PM.
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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 12:50 PM
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GM instructions say 10 deg at idle with no vac advance. Engine has a Mallory dist with vac advance. Engine gets hot just while idling. Elect fan works.
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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 01:01 PM
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Originally Posted by MBrianB
Engine gets hot just while idling.
I think you're answering your own question here. That is a giant motor for that car, and you're not getting any airflow.
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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 01:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Sayfoo
Check that your gauge is correct. A infrared temp tool on the stat housing may be a good check.
A lot of big blocks run hot in corvettes. Big engine, small space. Poor under hood air flow, etc.
Check that most outside air is going through the radiator. Install foam around the edges of the radiator.
Thermostat--check by boiling on your stove.
Timing.
Radiator.
Fan.
I chased a problem like this...it was my new temp. sender was bad...
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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 08:55 PM
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Are you using serpentine system with the pump that came on it?

JIM
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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 09:51 PM
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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 10:04 PM
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That's some awful low timing. What does total look like? I routinely idle at 25-30+ at idle.

JIM
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Old Nov 6, 2019 | 11:33 PM
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Original pump was changed to reverse rotation for the serpentine belt.

Going to try bumping the timing.
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Old Nov 7, 2019 | 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by MBrianB
GM instructions say 10 deg at idle with no vac advance. Engine has a Mallory dist with vac advance. Engine gets hot just while idling. Elect fan works.
That timing combo is a quick and damn efficient method of getting an engine to overheat at idle.

Plug in that vacuum advance canister.
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Old Nov 7, 2019 | 02:40 PM
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Will try this. Thanks.
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Old Nov 8, 2019 | 12:10 PM
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Old Nov 8, 2019 | 12:19 PM
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You dont have a factory distributor so why would you use factory timing specifications.
What is the part number of the distributor to determine how Mallory has the the timing curve set?
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Old Nov 8, 2019 | 12:30 PM
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Check the lower radiator hose.
Make sure it has the spring installed and that the hose is not collapsing.
Burp the coolant system and make sure you get out all trapped air in the system.
Hook up the vacuum advance and set the timing.
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Old Nov 8, 2019 | 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by 427Hotrod
That's some awful low timing. What does total look like? I routinely idle at 25-30+ at idle.

JIM
^^^^^This^^^^^
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Old Nov 8, 2019 | 05:39 PM
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Retarded timing at idle will cause the combustion chamber temps to skyrocket. That is what the early '70s cars got for EPA requirements....timed/ported vacuum systems that had ZERO vacuum at idle were used to drive the vacuum advance can on the distributor. So....there was NO vacuum advance until the throttle was cracked open. At idle, the retarded timing caused the engine op temps to climb and that burned off any extra hydrocarbons from the spent fuel charge. But, those systems allowed the manifold vacuum to take over if the engine temps got too hot at idle.

If you are mostly using your car for street use, you NEED vacuum advance and it should be driven off of MANIFOLD vacuum. For most stock Chevy V8 engine, initial timing with advance can vacuum hose removed and blocked should be in the area of 12-15 degrees advanced range.

The only other possibilities for running hot at idle are bad/blocked thermostat, some other blockage in the water flow system (I have heard of a shop rag getting into a cooling system!!), or a malfunctioning water pump. Your engine is heating up so quickly, I suspect the bad/blocked thermostat (installed in proper direction?) or a non-functioning water pump.
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Old Nov 9, 2019 | 09:34 AM
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Just curiosity on my part, is the new pump high flow and do you have the bypass hose connected?

Oh and are the hoses to the heater core connected,

Do you know what the engine oil temps are when the coolant is at 230*?

Neal

Last edited by chevymans 77; Nov 9, 2019 at 09:35 AM.
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Old Nov 9, 2019 | 10:37 AM
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So far...Thermostat is 160Deg installed correctly, pump is correct reverse rotation for serpentine, bypass is connected, heater is connected, everything is new.
Leaning toward the timing solution.
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