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  • The swings, especially on the way down (from 220 - 180), took only seconds. Seems to scream air bubble doesn't it?

    Ever drilled a hole in the thermostat to eliminate trapped air?
    Last edited by 74NovaMan; May 21, 2013, 02:00 PM.
    Chris - HRPT Long Haul 03, 04, 05, 13, 14, 15,16 & 18
    74 Nova Project
    66 Mustang GT Project

    92 Camaro RS Convertible Project
    79 Chevy Truck Project
    1956 Cadillac Project

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    • I do typically drill ~1/8th inch hole in the thermostat, however I find the results mediocre. I think because it bleeds air too slowly, hence why I switched to pulling the heater hose. I still do the ~1/8th inch hole anyways out of habit and I don't believe it hurts anything.
      Escaped on a technicality.

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      • Sounds a lot like an air bubble in the block. I drill two or three 1/8 or 3/16 holes in the thermostat. It allows air to escape pretty quickly.

        Also, if you are still using the old radiator cap, get a new one.
        BS'er formally known as Rebeldryver

        Resident Instigator

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        • agreed
          Patrick & Tammy
          - Long Haulin' 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014...Addicting isn't it...??

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          • Thanks again guys. I drove 33 miles home last night and as it warmed up on the freeway it hit about 220. It was there for maybe a minute and then started dropping and wound up around 190. It stayed around there pretty steady for the rest of the drive home. I agree with the air bubble theory for the eariler behavior but the above looks like thermostat to me.

            I picked up a new radiator and another new thermostat yesterday. When I swap those out I'll drill holes and try the heater hose trick as well. I'll make sure to pick up a new cap too. Hopefully that will solve the cooling issues.

            I believe that I have figured out the temp switch/light issue. When I called NAPA for a replacement sender (first one was from O'riely) the guy asks "light or gauge?" Don't remember that question from O'riely. I'm betting I have a guage sender.

            I also picked up the rebuilt transmission and new converter last night. The next couple of days should be busy.

            Click image for larger version

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            Last edited by 74NovaMan; February 4, 2016, 01:43 PM.
            Chris - HRPT Long Haul 03, 04, 05, 13, 14, 15,16 & 18
            74 Nova Project
            66 Mustang GT Project

            92 Camaro RS Convertible Project
            79 Chevy Truck Project
            1956 Cadillac Project

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            • I read your problems with interest..
              I also have that same "problem" with my flatbed... Not sure what I did to make that happen.. Might be hose replacement..Or thermostat..
              It will heat up to 220/240 for a half mile or so then drop to 160/180. With a 180 thermostat..
              Never lost water/coolant. Always have some in overflow and radiator.. Heater doesn't warm worth a wee! So sounds like I will try a new cap and filling with the heater hose.. Be some time before I do it as there is a cord of slabs on it right now

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              • I once cured that problem by tossing the new generic parts store thermostat (actually 3 of them) and stepping up to a STANT SUPERSTAT.

                Hold one of each in your hands, there is no comparison. Cheap thermostats suck.

                The STANT was about $15 at the time.
                Of all the paths you take in life - make sure a few of them are dirt.

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                • New radiator is in. Time to get the old Trans out.

                  Here is a pic of the new parts:

                  Click image for larger version

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                  Last edited by 74NovaMan; April 26, 2015, 07:16 AM.
                  Chris - HRPT Long Haul 03, 04, 05, 13, 14, 15,16 & 18
                  74 Nova Project
                  66 Mustang GT Project

                  92 Camaro RS Convertible Project
                  79 Chevy Truck Project
                  1956 Cadillac Project

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                  • Trans is out!
                    Chris - HRPT Long Haul 03, 04, 05, 13, 14, 15,16 & 18
                    74 Nova Project
                    66 Mustang GT Project

                    92 Camaro RS Convertible Project
                    79 Chevy Truck Project
                    1956 Cadillac Project

                    Comment


                    • For the "pictures or it didn't happen" crowd:

                      Click image for larger version

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                      Last edited by 74NovaMan; April 26, 2015, 07:17 AM.
                      Chris - HRPT Long Haul 03, 04, 05, 13, 14, 15,16 & 18
                      74 Nova Project
                      66 Mustang GT Project

                      92 Camaro RS Convertible Project
                      79 Chevy Truck Project
                      1956 Cadillac Project

                      Comment


                      • New stuff ready to go. Old radiator. Had to quit at 12:30 am so I could get some sleep before work. Hope to be back on the road Saturday.

                        Click image for larger version

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                        Last edited by 74NovaMan; April 26, 2015, 07:17 AM.
                        Chris - HRPT Long Haul 03, 04, 05, 13, 14, 15,16 & 18
                        74 Nova Project
                        66 Mustang GT Project

                        92 Camaro RS Convertible Project
                        79 Chevy Truck Project
                        1956 Cadillac Project

                        Comment


                        • I'm still not convinced. You know with photoshop and all =P
                          Escaped on a technicality.

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                          • Got the transmission in today. Here are a couple of things I discovered to ease installation.
                            • Install the top 2 trans to block bolts with the crossmember out and the engine tilted back. The install happens from under the car this way. A 3 foot extension with a u-joint socket are helpful/necessary.
                            • Start the trans lines in the transmission before it is lifted into place.
                            • Get a 1/2" crows foot wrench for the final tightening of the lines on the trans. See pics. This worked so well I can't tell you how happy I was about it.
                            I checked the trans pressure and had a little panic attack when they were not quite what I had expected. I texted my trans guy and he called back and said we were good to go.

                            Tomorrow I need to get the engine temp under control as I appear to have air bubble issues still.

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                            Last edited by 74NovaMan; April 26, 2015, 07:20 AM.
                            Chris - HRPT Long Haul 03, 04, 05, 13, 14, 15,16 & 18
                            74 Nova Project
                            66 Mustang GT Project

                            92 Camaro RS Convertible Project
                            79 Chevy Truck Project
                            1956 Cadillac Project

                            Comment


                            • I don't know if you have a plug or a vaccum tree on your thermostat housing or not,but on the Pinto I have a plug on mine and I remove that and take a screwdriver and push the thermostat open and fill the radiator and that does it for me. How new is the waterpump and in the past I have always had problems with flex fans and overheating on the Pinto last year I went with an electric fan and no more overheating.
                              Greg & Mendy Dayton, Ohio 2007LH 2008LH 2010LH 2011LH 2012 1st 2 stops 2013LH 2015 1st 2 stops2016LH 2017 first and last stops . 2018 LH ("It's better to be dead and cool than alive and uncool!! Harley Davidson!")

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                              • Greg - The water pump is new and unfortunately I do not have any access to the thermostat when installed. The flex fan worked fine in the past and given the temps here lately (low 70s) that is definetly not the issue at this point. Thanks for the ideas.
                                Chris - HRPT Long Haul 03, 04, 05, 13, 14, 15,16 & 18
                                74 Nova Project
                                66 Mustang GT Project

                                92 Camaro RS Convertible Project
                                79 Chevy Truck Project
                                1956 Cadillac Project

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