4.3 vortec 2008 aprox. Alpha one 1985 s/n A802400 Overheating

[Eric Bornstein]

Definitely old style wet manifolds..

 

[alldodge]

I'm reading "check balls" are there, I'm not seeing any check balls in the 1985 model thermostat

 

[Eric Bornstein]

I did buy it at auction in around 2006, engine was shot, I put in a crate marine Vortec at the time and reused the thermostat housing, manifolds, carb and distributor.There with the balls in the T on the top of the housing. It ran cool for years then I had overheating at over 3000 rpm, I changed the raw water pump (old one was intact) and cleaned the risers with muriatic acid. Tested up to 4000 rpm on the water, temp stable in the middle range. After changing the manifolds this year I forgot about the timing mark not being the only mark which must be the TDC mark that on the balancer. I have a slight memory years ago of marking the balancer with chalk for the 6 degrees advance that I believe this engine requires. I think the retarded timing may be my current overheat problem.

 

[achris]

8 degrees

 

[alldodge]

I did buy it at auction in around 2006, engine was shot, I put in a crate marine Vortec at the time and reused the thermostat housing, manifolds, carb and distributor.There with the balls in the T on the top of the housing. It ran cool for years then I had overheating at over 3000 rpm, I changed the raw water pump (old one was intact) and cleaned the risers with muriatic acid. Tested up to 4000 rpm on the water, temp stable in the middle range. After changing the manifolds this year I forgot about the timing mark not being the only mark which must be the TDC mark that on the balancer. I have a slight memory years ago of marking the balancer with chalk for the 6 degrees advance that I believe this engine requires. I think the retarded timing may be my current overheat problem.

I don't know what you have. In 85 there where no check balls, and in 2006 there were but the thermostat housing did not look like the one you have. Don't see how the same check balls from 06 would fit - a 85 thermostat housing. Also in 2006 the cooling system hoses are routed different