About 4 years ago, I took apart a 170 straight 6. If I remember right, I put in moly rings, replaced std bearings, had stellite valve seats installed and valve guides knurled. lubed her, and then covered her over out back till this spring. fast forward to present, I dragged her into the garage, primed the oil and set her back in a vehicle. Started her up, and it ran great. The radiator had a squirrel's nest in it, and I blew it out the best I could before installing. new hoses, new water pump. Took her for a test drive, and she promptly overheated. Pulled the pump off, inspected the thermostat, sent the radiator to the shop for a thorough cleaning, Still over heats, it will idle at around 200, put her in gear and she jumps. My next step will be to yank the head off and inspect for blockage in the water jacket. either that or I somehow managed to put the head gasket on wrong 4 years ago, I cant remember if this is possible on this engine. Other than these two possible problems, and it being the same radiator that it ran fine with 5 years ago, I'm puzzled. the cooling system does not seem overly complex. but something is amiss. Any Ideas?
Well, finally figured it out. the radiator shop's idea of fixing the radiator was throw some flush in it and call it good. I sepperated the top, rodded the radiator, and resoldored. Car now runs cool, I learned how to fix the radiator,.... and I wont be doing business at the radiator shop any time soon.
