New here - have a 413 bored to a 426 wedge from a 63 New Yorker; <1,500 mi and 9 months on motor since tear down and reassembled, installed. Had an issue temp gauge not reading, couldn't find an issue; touched everything and then seemed to work fine. Son took to a car show, no problems getting there. Wouldn't start when he wanted to leave. Some old timers tried to help, they couldn't get it going. Starter wasn't turning over, tried it hot and cold. Did nothing and voila! All good for a week, now back to 220+ on gauge, replaced thermostat. Good for 2 days, back to overheating. 220 - 225.

Any thoughts? it has original radiator, 4 blade fan, no shroud. Though those massive headers were getting the starter too hot? not a lot of clearance there? But haven't had the starter issue again?

Appreciate any help or ideas to check on?

 

A shroud may help, if its only getting hot in stop and go traffic or slow speeds. I wrapped my starter with a reflective wrap. It seemed to help.

 

We can give the wrap a try... we thought about a 6 blade fan - anyone have thoughts to that?

 

Try a different sending unit for the temp gage if that’s not it trya different gage, maybe an aftermarket one but before you spend money on parts check out the temperature of the radiator, thermostat and heads with a heat gun.

 

Toby -

First thing I would do is get an IR thermometer. The kind with a laser pointer. Harbor Freight has them. Go around the engine, radiator etc, and look for hot spots. That will also tell you if your gauge is off or not.

Those don't look like headers, and shouldn't affect the starter, unless the starter is on the way out. If it is, a mini starter and heat shield can help.

The cheapest fan fix would be a 6 or 7 blade flex fan and yes, a shroud would help.

If you're using Mr. Gasket thermostats, get rid of it, they tend to stick - yeah, even new ones. Just use a garden variety STANT, 160*.
And don't forget as basic check-up,

Archer

 

thanks - we'll check gauge vs temp gun readings...

 

thanks!