TROUBLESHOOTING

1953-1960 Classic Car Engines Troubleshooting Guide: Engine Overheats

The text for this Guide originally appeared in the 23rd edition of Motor's Repair Manual, published in 1960 and copyrighted by Motor Information Systems, and is used with their permission.

Things to Look For:

Water is used to cool the engine and air is used to cool the water. Anything which prevents this water-air system from working properly will cause overheating. Oil or grease in the water will reduce the ability of the water to absorb heat from the block and to transfer heat in the water to the radiator. There are six basic causes of overheating:

1. Water does not cool engine.
2. Air does not cool water.
3. Slow combustion.
4. Pinging.
5. Excessive friction in engine or elsewhere in power transmitting units.
6. Excessive back pressure in exhaust system.

The Complete Guide to Troubleshooting 1953-1960 Era American Classic Car Engines