cooling system

[nightstick]

I am a new 50 ford flathead owner. I am having trouble keeping the car running cool,and keeping coollant in the radiator. Using a 4lb radiator cap. there are no thermostats,do i need them,if so what temp should i put in. I cannot find any leaks,except what cones out the overflow tube,and that only seems to happen if i fill the radiator all the way.
The engine runs strong,I have a c4 auto transmission installed.
I have had trouble with engine not starting unless its promed. Rebuilt the fuel pump,but still had trouble getting the engine to start after a long drive. I think an electric pump will solve this problem.
any help or information will be appreciated
will conyers
jasper,mo

[Steve E.]

You need 160 deg thermostats & make sure your radiator doesn't have any blocked tubes, doesn't matter what you can see with the cap off. My 62 Buick rad. looked real clean thru the cap, but was 3/4 clogged when my rad shop pulled the top tank off!

[nightstick]

Thanks steve. I will get the thermostats tomorrow and give it a try.

[Steve E.]

Hey, good luck.

[Ol racer]

FYI
Another suggestion is to not fill the radiator up to the top since water/antifreeze needs room to expand when hot and will usually toss out some water until down an inch or so. Another thought is to buy and install a coolant recovery system. They are cheap and work well...

[nightstick]

Ok,ol racer,that is one i never thought about.

[nightstick]

Steve E. I Forgot To Tell You,that My Ford Is Running Cool Now,wrong Thermostats Were In It.
Thanks For The Tip.

[Steve E.]

Hey great, and you're quite welcome.

[wmh50shoebox]

Hello Nightstick,
Just a little more advice on keeping the flattie cool. My coupe is also a 50, and is equipped with Fenton cast iron headers, Offy 9:1 aluminum heads,Offy tri power intake with Holley 94's, and an isky cam and kit and a Joe Hunt ignition.

Keep a 50/50 anti freeze mixture in the system at all times. Most importantly be sure your ignition timing is set to the timing mark or even a little more before top dead center. Flatheads like ignition advance.

I also have a Ron Davis Racing Radiator with a 50/50 mix and a 16 pound cap and I had overheating problems with my timing set to the factory mark on the crank pulley until I moved my timing to about 15 degrees before t. d. c.

Cool! Cool! Cool!

Good Luck
Wendell
wmh50shoebox