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  •  » Engine tear down/ overheating

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    8/30/2023 9:04 AM  #1

    Steve69
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    From: Madison Wisconsin
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 2,730

    Engine tear down/ overheating

    I've been chasing a overheating issue with my 302 for the last 20 years.   I decided to buy a crate engine in the spring and tear down the old 302 and part it out.  Bullet Bob got me thinking about the coolant passages with the heads and after looking at Trick Flow instructions I think I figured out why my engine was running hot.  The 351W heads I have were from at 1972 engine.  My block was from a 1969 Mustang.   The upper cooling port is blocked on my older block to the 1972 and newer head.  To fix this problem you drill 3/16 holes in the block to match the heads.  On the 1970 and older heads they have the port centered.  I posted a pic of old head to show it.   

    Steve69

     

    8/30/2023 11:05 AM  #2

    6sally6
    Hyper FYIFORD ADDICT

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    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 6,816

    Re: Engine tear down/ overheating

    You ran it that way for 20 years !?!! WOW
    How bad/quick did it get hot ? What size radiator?
    A real testament to FoMoCo that 'even-with' blocked coolant passages the engine functioned and lived !
    You gonna drill'em for the next guy ?
    6s6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

    8/30/2023 4:45 PM  #3

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,216

    Re: Engine tear down/ overheating

    Hmmmm…

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    8/31/2023 4:26 AM  #4

    Nos681
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    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
    Registered: 7/14/2016
    Posts: 3,325

    Re: Engine tear down/ overheating

    What brand and model head gasket is that?

    Most of the SBF head gaskets I recall looking at with the silicone bead around water passages also had an area for the “top” hole.  These don’t appear to have the top hole sealed from cylinders.

    I will definitively pay attention to that.

    Last edited by Nos681 (8/31/2023 4:27 AM)

     

    8/31/2023 7:27 AM  #5

    Steve69
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    From: Madison Wisconsin
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 2,730

    Re: Engine tear down/ overheating

    6sally6 wrote:

    You ran it that way for 20 years !?!! WOW
    How bad/quick did it get hot ? What size radiator?
    A real testament to FoMoCo that 'even-with' blocked coolant passages the engine functioned and lived !
    You gonna drill'em for the next guy ?
    6s6

       I ran many types of radiators and fans.  On the hwy it was always fine.  When Idling is when I had the issues with overheating.  I did install electric fans and it would keep it in control to a point.  But I never could run a conventional fan.  I tried everything to try to fix the issue.  Trick Flow must of seen issues with it.  I doubt they'd even publish it if it wasn't a issue.  I mentioned it to the guy that bought the heads and block that If I was running it I would drill the holes in the block. 

    Steve69
     

    Last edited by Steve69 (8/31/2023 7:30 AM)

       •Thread Starter
     

    8/31/2023 7:28 AM  #6

    Steve69
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    From: Madison Wisconsin
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 2,730

    Re: Engine tear down/ overheating

    Nos681 wrote:

    What brand and model head gasket is that?

    Most of the SBF head gaskets I recall looking at with the silicone bead around water passages also had an area for the “top” hole. These don’t appear to have the top hole sealed from cylinders.

    I will definitively pay attention to that.

       When I pulled the heads in 2004 I believe they were felpro gaskets. 

    Steve69
     

       •Thread Starter
     

    8/31/2023 8:48 AM  #7

    BobE
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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,622

    Re: Engine tear down/ overheating

    Steve69 - I'm not sure about this 'hole', but you may want to try a high volume water pump. I have one on my 351W, with a 2" thick aluminum radiator (stock 1965 dimensions), electric fan (Spal) and do not have overheating issues.  I also have a Vintage A/C system installed.

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    8/31/2023 8:55 AM  #8

    Quicksilver
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    From: California Central Coast
    Registered: 9/22/2013
    Posts: 264

    Re: Engine tear down/ overheating

    Edelbrock posted the same caution in their paperwork years back. I used their early heads on my 90 302. I just hope the machine shop caught the notice. I guess time will tell, as the engine is still on the stand.

    Money can't buy happiness. Butt it can buy Car Parts... and that is pretty much the same thing.67 FastBack
     

    8/31/2023 9:54 AM  #9

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,216

    Re: Engine tear down/ overheating

    I am skeptical this hole will change anything, but also hopeful that it does.
    Typically at least one of the three steam holes is open.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    8/31/2023 2:58 PM  #10

    Nos681
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    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
    Registered: 7/14/2016
    Posts: 3,325

    Re: Engine tear down/ overheating

    MS…this is what I noticed.  No seal towards the cylinder bore.  I used the Perma-torque head gasket with C9 351w heads on 289 block.  My overheating was due to timing and the mechanic that worked on it…me.

    Perhaps something to consider?

    Last edited by Nos681 (8/31/2023 3:01 PM)

     

     

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