Steve:
Just a couple of quick questions. You said you’re overheating — are you actually boiling over, puking coolant? Without a thermostat, your engine should actually run cool, which affects gas mileage and does cause sludge build-up over time. I recently did my ’65 Malibu ragtop 283 SB at .030 over and ran around 250-265 degrees on it’s maiden voyage. But after 100 miles, it was down to 195 — the thermostat rating. A rebuilt engine will be tight and run hot for some miles; depends how you break it in. Don’t be a wimp — if the block has already been broken in, (i.e., is used; rebuilt or not), drive it. See what it can do.
Second, have you run any kind of cooling system cleaner through the system? A reverse flush (pressurized with the engine at operating temp — requires a machine designed to do this) may clean out any schputz that may still be in the block/head passages. That the engine shop didn’t get before the rebuild. Once you have your radiator back, do that. You won’t hurt anything.
Third, if you’re relying on a gauge to register “hot”, are you certain the gauge is accurate? And the sending unit? Easy to check.
Good luck — the S5 is on jack stands and beckons me…
Forums
All posts, newest on top


In order to add a new topic, or look through the categories, either use the drop down link (top) to Fourm Categories (shown right) or use the link to Forums Table of Contents here.
After you have chosen a Category for your new topic, scroll to the bottom of the page to find the form to add your question or comment.
To edit or trash YOUR post, use the links shown below