72 454 overheating
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: lake jackson tx
72 454 overheating
I added a little HP to my 72 454(about 150 ) now I can't stop it from over heating. I have put in a new Griffin radiator ,flex fan , oil cooler, removed the thermostat, added that so called temperature reducing liquid. I don't have a blown head gasket. Any ideas.
Does anyone think an electric pusher fan in front of the radiator will work?
I open to try anything!!!!
Does anyone think an electric pusher fan in front of the radiator will work?
I open to try anything!!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Moro IL
Re: 72 454 overheating (cerobins)
First off, welcome :seeya . We are going to need some more specifics before we can really help, what's your exact setup? ignition timing? radiator seals intact? when exactly is it overheating? the more info you can give us the better.
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
:cheers:
Pat Kunz
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: lake jackson tx
Re: 72 454 overheating (73 LS-4)
Timing is 8 degrees BTCFactory setting) have a fairly high lift cam , no radiator leaking. It will get hot after driving less than 10 miles, or after idling for about 15 minutes. Looking down in the radiator there seems to be plenty of water flow. The engine runs well. What else do you need to know?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 805
Likes: 0
From: Vasteras, Sweden
Re: 72 454 overheating (cerobins)
Welcome to the forum. :cheers:
Does the temperature gauge work ok?
I have added a SPAL fan in front of my radiator and it works for my setup. http://www.aircondcenter.se/3010.0385.gif
Also added a second temperature gauge under the L88 scoop. I don't trust the original...
Have you checked the final timing on higher rpms? (usually 35-38 degree)
[Modified by Lasse, 8:56 AM 5/23/2003]
Does the temperature gauge work ok?
I have added a SPAL fan in front of my radiator and it works for my setup. http://www.aircondcenter.se/3010.0385.gif
Also added a second temperature gauge under the L88 scoop. I don't trust the original...
Have you checked the final timing on higher rpms? (usually 35-38 degree)
[Modified by Lasse, 8:56 AM 5/23/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
Re: 72 454 overheating (cerobins)
Are you sure your cooling system is full?
When I flushed mine, I took the advice from someone here to run the car with the cap off. Once the car started, the coolant level in the radiator went down and I added more liquid until it was topped off.
If you have air in your system, the liquid pressure won't rise but the temp will. I'm pretty sure that's why I used to run hot.
One dude that used to work for a radiator shop told me that he recommends parking the car on an incline - right side higher than left, like on a curb - to raise the cap over everything else in the system and run the car to 4000 to get all the air out.
When I flushed mine, I took the advice from someone here to run the car with the cap off. Once the car started, the coolant level in the radiator went down and I added more liquid until it was topped off.
If you have air in your system, the liquid pressure won't rise but the temp will. I'm pretty sure that's why I used to run hot.
One dude that used to work for a radiator shop told me that he recommends parking the car on an incline - right side higher than left, like on a curb - to raise the cap over everything else in the system and run the car to 4000 to get all the air out.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Re: 72 454 overheating (mayberg)
Flex fan? Most of the flex fans are junk. You will probably have better luck with either the stock fan and a new fan clutch or some good electric fans like the spals. On my 454 I run the spals and no mechanical fan and it runs at 180F, even in traffic with AC on.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,770
Likes: 3
From: St Louis MO
Re: 72 454 overheating (cerobins)
What do you call overheating? I bleve the owner's manual says to be concerned over 230 degrees. I would never let mine run newhere close to those temps. Mine used to run 200-210 with a flex fan, stock iron water pump, copper/brass radiator, and a spoiler that flaps in the breeze. I put dual Spals on it and it now runs at 190 in town and 198 on the highway. Thinking on getting a 2-piece pace car spoiler to replace the dayum-near-nonfunctional spoiler and cuttin out the front tag area to get more air to the rad. This might get me down to the 180s.
Brett :thumbs:
Brett :thumbs:
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,217
Likes: 1
From: End of the Ike IL
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Re: 72 454 overheating (cerobins)
Hiya :seeya New seals around radiator, a good flush, and some Water Wetter dropped my temp by 15+ degrees. Needle never gets to vertical on the gauge anymore. Some will say Water Wetter is snake oil, but I feel it works. Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,298
Likes: 1
From: Sodertalje/Sweden
Re: 72 454 overheating (BlueL36)
I was wondering over the Water Wetter,and wouldnt a dab of dishwashing soap do the job? All the Water wetter do is to reduce the surface tension of the water and let it get closer to the engine walls.Maybe the foam that could form would scare people of.."Look, a shark with rabies"..(Ouch,really bad joke,i know...sorry) :D :cheers:
