Mike_51_Deluxe
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Reg: 09-15-10
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08-13-12 10:32 AM - Post#2258787
Been driving my 51 around more and more. I worry about how hot it seems to be running. Do these engines just run warm or should I be worried? Usually steam coming out of the Valve Cover vents, radiator is just blistering hot, and just smells like it might getting too warm. I really dont want to burn my engine up.
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 2blu52
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08-13-12 10:47 AM - Post#2258795
In response to Mike_51_Deluxe
There should be no steam from the rocker cover vents, what you probably are seeing is the vented fumes from the crankcase. Check the road draft tube to make sure it is open. What does the temp gage say? What degree thermostat is in the car, are you running a pressure cap or a non pressure cap. Feeling the front of the radiator do you find a spot that seems cooler than the rest of the raditor(cool spot indicates a plugged tube or more). Kind of give us some idea of what hot is as it applies here. 
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
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 mahlmann
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Loc: Sunnyvale, CA
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08-13-12 12:18 PM - Post#2258824
In response to Mike_51_Deluxe
The cooling system on these cars works very well even in extreme heat IF everything is operating as it should be. If you are having cooling issues, try to isolate the source and fix it. I would suspect the radiator depending on how old it is. You can also try running it without the thermostat to see if that's the issue. It's the cheapest and easiest component to replace.
Keep on it, fix it right, and you'll be happy!
Mike Ahlmann
Sunnyvale, CA
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Bob_Hayden
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 08-13-12 01:02 PM - Post#2258843
In response to mahlmann
If its not boiling over then it probably isn't hot. You can't tell by just standing and looking or smelling it. Touching to see if its hot is not an option either!!!190 degress will burn the crap out of your hand but that isn't hot for the engine. Only way to tell is with a gauge. What does it say and what degree thempostat do you have in it?
| Bob Hayden's 54 Chevy, 350 Engine with TH400 Tranny and 94 4X4 Blazer Rear End with 3:23 gears.(FINISHED PICS) </a> My 54 Albums |
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Mike_51_Deluxe
Contributor
Posts: 343
Reg: 09-15-10
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08-13-12 01:13 PM - Post#2258852
In response to 2blu52
There should be no steam from the rocker cover vents, what you probably are seeing is the vented fumes from the crankcase. Check the road draft tube to make sure it is open. What does the temp gage say? What degree thermostat is in the car, are you running a pressure cap or a non pressure cap. Feeling the front of the radiator do you find a spot that seems cooler than the rest of the raditor(cool spot indicates a plugged tube or more). Kind of give us some idea of what hot is as it applies here
Yeah, I guess I don’t "know" that its steam, just unsettling seeing fumes, heat, steam, smoke, etc coming out of those things and noticing how warm the engine seems to be. Im assuming is is the "road draft tube" your talking about http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3220/2...
As far as temp guage, I currently have it out along with the speedo. Ill have to put that back in to see what its reading.
Ill have to feel around on the radiator next time and make sure I don’t have any plugged tubes etc.
Thanks, this is the kind of stuff I was looking for. As far as the Road Draft Tube, I never really knew what that was even for? Just to release heat from the engine?
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Bob_Hayden
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08-13-12 01:18 PM - Post#2258855
In response to Mike_51_Deluxe
The Road Draft Tube is an old time PVC valve. It pulls the fumes out of the crankcase. When it gets plugged then the fumes will come out where ever they can find an opening. In your case it is the vents on the valve cover. Can come out at the oil filler cap too, if its a vented cap.
| Bob Hayden's 54 Chevy, 350 Engine with TH400 Tranny and 94 4X4 Blazer Rear End with 3:23 gears.(FINISHED PICS) </a> My 54 Albums |
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2blu52
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08-13-12 02:18 PM - Post#2258870
In response to Bob_Hayden
The Road Draft Tube is an old time PVC valve. It pulls the fumes out of the crankcase. When it gets plugged then the fumes will come out where ever they can find an opening. In your case it is the vents on the valve cover. Can come out at the oil filler cap too, if its a vented cap.
And to add to what Bob says, the design of the tube with the bottom end shaped to a point and positioned to the front is used to create a slight vacumn in the area behind that point helping to pull fumes from the engine. It is for that reason that letting these engines sit and idle for long periods of time with out getting on the road, builds up moisture in the crank case which will contaminate your oil.
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
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 bobg1951chevy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
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08-13-12 02:23 PM - Post#2258874
In response to 2blu52
The Road Draft Tube is an old time PVC valve. It pulls the fumes out of the crankcase. When it gets plugged then the fumes will come out where ever they can find an opening. In your case it is the vents on the valve cover. Can come out at the oil filler cap too, if its a vented cap.
And to add to what Bob says, the design of the tube with the bottom end shaped to a point and positioned to the front is used to create a slight vacumn in the area behind that point helping to pull fumes from the engine. It is for that reason that letting these engines sit and idle for long periods of time with out getting on the road, builds up moisture in the crank case which will contaminate your oil.
And to add what 2blu said ............... I forgot.
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Mike_51_Deluxe
Contributor
Posts: 343
Reg: 09-15-10
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08-13-12 04:27 PM - Post#2258925
In response to bobg1951chevy
Thanks guys! Whats the proper way to check/clear that fumes tube? Does it just pop out?
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52HardTop
Senior Member
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08-13-12 05:25 PM - Post#2258943
In response to Mike_51_Deluxe
Hey Mike, it should pull out with a little twisting to persuade it. You know my 235 runs very cool. I don't think I've ever seen it break 150 on my Auto Meter temp gauge. I do remember when I pulled it to rebuild, the block had a load of crud in it. Meaning when I drained the coolant I seemed to have more sediment and rust it there than water. Now that it is a clean block with the correct coolant level it likes to run at a lower temp. I have a 180 thermostat and a newly cored stock radiator that was done 3 years ago.
Dom
2011 Camaro SS 426 HP, Red Jewel Tint. Killer!
52 Bel Air a traditional 50s Ride.
51 Convertible a 60s Ride.
51 1/2 Ton pickup soon to be a little of both..
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one4dad
Contributor
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08-13-12 05:29 PM - Post#2258947
In response to Mike_51_Deluxe
lets walk thru this a little, was it running"hot" when you stopped driving and did all your body work, Did you remove any hoses,or radiator, etc when doing body work? If no then you really need to put temp gage back in, also need to check and see of radiator hoses may have collapsed, or did you get a small animal in radiator if you left openings unprotected. The draft tube can be pulled out, but I don't know how to check, except maybe some very low pressure air into the end that was in the block (not sure about this) You could hook up temp gage with the instrument cluster out of the car unless you messed up the capalliary tube when you pulled it out. Bill
Bill Wilson - 51 styleline Deluxe 2 door three speed , fentons and offy 2 carb manifold - is now a 235
Also a 1950 Chevy 2 door styleline deluxe, great patina , no running gear |
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cederholm
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 1310
Age: 46
Loc: Brooklyn NY
Reg: 09-28-10
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08-14-12 06:09 AM - Post#2259071
In response to one4dad
All these guys are correct of course and I agree that you're not running to hot if you're up there touching things, but you might want to pick up a lazer thermometer. They are pretty cheap and great for checking the temp on lots of things. The motor, radiator, cat, wife, what'ever. 
~ Carl
Carl E. Cederholm
Brooklyn NYC
'53 Deluxe MoreDoor, triPPPle Rochesters, Fenton exhaust, dual Porter mufflers, 3" drop, 12v, and Offenhauser shinny bits! |
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2blu52
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 13086
Age: 79
Loc: Montana
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08-14-12 06:50 AM - Post#2259082
In response to Mike_51_Deluxe
There should be no steam from the rocker cover vents, what you probably are seeing is the vented fumes from the crankcase. Check the road draft tube to make sure it is open. What does the temp gage say? What degree thermostat is in the car, are you running a pressure cap or a non pressure cap. Feeling the front of the radiator do you find a spot that seems cooler than the rest of the raditor(cool spot indicates a plugged tube or more). Kind of give us some idea of what hot is as it applies here
Yeah, I guess I don’t "know" that its steam, just unsettling seeing fumes, heat, steam, smoke, etc coming out of those things and noticing how warm the engine seems to be. Im assuming is is the "road draft tube" your talking about http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/3220/2...
As far as temp guage, I currently have it out along with the speedo. Ill have to put that back in to see what its reading.
Ill have to feel around on the radiator next time and make sure I don’t have any plugged tubes etc.
Thanks, this is the kind of stuff I was looking for. As far as the Road Draft Tube, I never really knew what that was even for? Just to release heat from the engine?
yes that is the road draft tube. To remove you just kind of rock it back and forth as it is a press fit into the block, double check though as there may be a small tab coming off one side and attaching to one of the pan bolts. The chev tube is hard to block as it uses a baffle system to keep oil in the pan. Never know what could have crawled up there though. One way to check would be to plug the slots in the valve cover, insert an air gun in the oil filler hole and wrap tightly with a cloth, shoot some LOW pressure air in there and if it comes out the tube then probably okay.
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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Bob_Hayden
"12th Year" Gold Supporting Member
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08-14-12 10:01 AM - Post#2259146
In response to 2blu52
Thats a dangerious think if your a novice at it. Don't shoot the air very long!!! And, like was said, LOW PRESSURE!!!
| Bob Hayden's 54 Chevy, 350 Engine with TH400 Tranny and 94 4X4 Blazer Rear End with 3:23 gears.(FINISHED PICS) </a> My 54 Albums |
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2blu52
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 13086
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Loc: Montana
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08-14-12 11:21 AM - Post#2259175
In response to Bob_Hayden
Thats a dangerious think if your a novice at it. Don't shoot the air very long!!! And, like was said, LOW PRESSURE!!!
Never thought about that, glad you commented. I have done it a couple of times but as I said and you confirmed LOW PRESSURE. Just want to see if air moves not blow it clean.
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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bobg1951chevy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4897
Loc: Ellijay, GA
Reg: 02-18-08
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08-14-12 01:38 PM - Post#2259216
In response to cederholm
Let's take the mystery out of this and get a temp gauge in there that works, then we can talk about overheating IF that is the case. 
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bobg1951chevy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4897
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08-14-12 01:40 PM - Post#2259218
In response to Bob_Hayden
Agree, for certain. 
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Runningon6
Forum Newbie
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Loc: Collinsville, Oklahoma
Reg: 03-06-11
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08-15-12 11:34 AM - Post#2259617
In response to Mike_51_Deluxe
Took my 49 Fleetline on a road trip, when I shut if off, fourty miles down the road, it started dumping water out the two pound cap, It heats up fast when the water gets low.
I put a higher pressure cap on, and it stays middle of the temp guage.
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eplantage
Senior Member
Posts: 1647
Loc: Southern MN
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08-15-12 01:15 PM - Post#2259636
In response to Runningon6
As I have stated before, I cleaned out almost a 3 lb. coffee can of gunk, casting sand and rust/scale from the block on the engine I have in my sedan delivery. It was unbelievable, I have no cooling issues now. I had to remove the freeze plugs to do it but it was worth it.
Age: 59 at the moment
1950 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery
1953 BelAir Convertible Project
2002 Heritage Springer FLSTSI |
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bobg1951chevy
"6th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 4897
Loc: Ellijay, GA
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08-15-12 03:02 PM - Post#2259682
In response to Runningon6
Took my 49 Fleetline on a road trip, when I shut if off, fourty miles down the road, it started dumping water out the two pound cap, It heats up fast when the water gets low.
I put a higher pressure cap on, and it stays middle of the temp guage.
49 has a no pressure cap, from factory, should be able to run that way, if all is OK with the system (clean). Too much pressure will blow something else out.
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2blu52
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 13086
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08-15-12 04:19 PM - Post#2259715
In response to bobg1951chevy
Took my 49 Fleetline on a road trip, when I shut if off, fourty miles down the road, it started dumping water out the two pound cap, It heats up fast when the water gets low.
I put a higher pressure cap on, and it stays middle of the temp guage.
49 has a no pressure cap, from factory, should be able to run that way, if all is OK with the system (clean). Too much pressure will blow something else out.
A frequent cause of coolant spilling out of the radiator upon shut down is the increase in heat from the block and over fill of the radiator.
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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 Keith_Knox
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08-15-12 09:58 PM - Post#2259797
In response to bobg1951chevy
That is really interesting. The 48 uses a 4 lb cap per my spec pack. Looked at the 49 spec pack on line and it says no pressure cap as you stated.
Wonder why they used it and then stopped.
1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Coupe Purchased 6/2010.
1996 Chevy Monte Carlo
2002 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab
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2blu52
"12th Year" Silver Supporting Member
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08-16-12 05:49 AM - Post#2259850
In response to Keith_Knox
If the inside of the radiator neck is not designed for a pressure cap then installing one will not help or hurt.
"PEACE IS THAT GLORIUS MOMENT IN HISTORY WHEN EVERY ONE STANDS AROUND RELOADING"
THOMAS JEFFERSON |
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Novaclone
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08-19-12 06:09 PM - Post#2261074
In response to 2blu52
My knowledge: for every 1 pound of rad cap pressure increases boiling point by 3 degrees F 
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