Testing Closed cooling system

[legoman67]

Well, we had our new engine running today for the first time and i was just wondering how we check to make sure the antifreeze is actually circulating through the manifolds and block.

 

[Don S]

Re: Testing Closed cooling system

A temp gun would be my first thought. The manifolds will be a little warmer than the engine, but nothing excessive.
But who am I to say. Might want to get the comments from a few of the newbe auto mechanics to verify my thoughts. But they are probably right, just ask them.

 

[legoman67]

Re: Testing Closed cooling system

Water was steaming off the manifolds, the head was just warm, but that was only 3 minutes of running and reving.. Here is a vid of the run. I think my dad has a temp gun, if he does i will check it tomorrow and post the readings.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=npJxqHQZBm8

 

[Bondo]

Re: Testing Closed cooling system

i was just wondering how we check to make sure the antifreeze is actually circulating through the manifolds and block.

Ayuh,....

What would make you Think it Ain't flowing,..??

Run it a few minutes,.. Is the coolant getting warmer,..??
If So,... It's Flowing....

 

[legoman67]

Re: Testing Closed cooling system

Ok, well we ran the engine some more today, got it idling better. The mainfolds get pretty hot(you cant rest your full hand on them for more then afew seconds). The manifolds are cooled by the coolant and the pipes comming off them to the pump are also hot. The heat exchanger also gets pretty hot at the top, the bottom end stays somewhat cooler.

The head is warm, but you can rest your hand on it without problems.

The raw water comming out the risers is only slightly warmer then it was in the bucket, and it takes about 5 minutes for it to heat up that much.

Im thinking maybe the riostat(i dont know how to spell it) is sticky and probably needs replacing. The engines havent run in a year and a half prior to the video.

This is all just idling for the most part, with intermitten reving, no loads..

any other suggestions, i can feel the coolant pressure in the pipes, so i know the pump is working..

 

[Don S]

Re: Testing Closed cooling system

Being able to keep your hand on it for a few seconds tells me the temp is between 160 and 180. Without numbers, who knows. Temp gun or WAG.

 

[legoman67]

Re: Testing Closed cooling system

I may need to get a temp gun, my dad doesnt have one. is 160-180 normal for the manifolds?

 

[abj87]

Re: Testing Closed cooling system

The head is warm, but you can rest your hand on it without problems.
an engine at operating temp you should not be able to rest your hand on it. check your thermostat.

 

[legoman67]

Re: Testing Closed cooling system

alright, thanks guys

ABJ, a little cool i am not too worried about, they only ran continuous for 15minutes, at idle, with no load, the raw water was nearly ice water, and it was pretty cold outside.

Im sure they will be a little warmer once they get some load, yeah ill check the thermostat aswell.