New Engine Questions

[james singleton]

This last week I got a new engine (200c.i.) up and running and I have a couple of questions. The new engine probably has 2-3 hours of running so far. Question#1 : So far the new temp gauge probe (located just behind the thermostat housing) does not register a reading after running the engine for twenty minutes at a time; but after I shut engine off the gauge will rise to 170-175 degrees (the gauge starts 130). Does this seem normal to not be registering at least 130 degrees after twenty minutes of running and then after shutting engine off it climbs to 170-175? Question #2: Does it normally take a while for the new engine block paint, as well as new exhaust manifold, to stop smoking or burn off? Like I said, the engine has only been run for several hrs so far. Last Question #3: Does the metal side on the new exhaust manifold gasket face away from the engine block with the paper side facing the engine block? Is it possible to get the gasket on ass backwards or does the gasket only fit one way? Thanks for any input!

 

[Mercury Mike]

Did you put gasket gooey on the exhaust manifold's gasket? That stuff takes FOREVER to burn off. The paint isn't supposed to burn off... I don't think. Make sure that you're waiting for the thermostat to open and everything. It should have opened by then. Have you checked the flow of your coolant in your radiator? New thermostat? And why didn't you use the stock placement of the temp sensor? As for getting the gasket on backwards, I don't think you can, and if you could, would it matter? If all the bolts line up then you should be in good shape!

 

[james singleton]

65Mustang200, Yes, I did use a thin layer of gooey (RTV silicone gasket maker) on the paper side of the exhaust manifold. I ran the engine a little bit ago with the radiator cap off and after about five minutes or so,H2O started coming out of top of radiator (water was about an inch below top of radiator when I turned engine on). I turned engine off; put the radiator cap (13lbs) back on and started engine. After 20 minutes or so the temp gauge registered 135 degrees; after turning engine off the temp gauge went up to 170degrees in a couple of minutes. I don't think I have a problem; in fact if I can trust this new gauge, isn't 170-175 degrees pretty good? It is 84degrees outside (Los Angeles area). The reason that I didn't use the "stock placement for temp sensor on back of engine block is because my engine is in a 64' Econoline and the water temp gauge line would not reach to the front dash; different than the Mustangs! Also the stock temp hole (for idiot light) is real small; like 1/4" or 5/16" I believe. Thanks for the input!

 

[addo]

Without the heater on, the gauge could be located in a "dead leg". That's why temperature may take a while to register. A flake of crud could also be shielding/insulating it also.

I'd expect engine enamel to burn off around the exhaust bolt flanges on your head. Urethanes discolour, but lesser paints will usually burn off.

A new, "tight" motor will often run hot for the first 500-1500 miles. Make sure you seat the rings by not overfuelling or babying it. Oil pressure is the other important detail to watch while in the early stages of motor life.

Cheers, Adam.

 

[james singleton]

ADDO, Thanks for the suggestion on possibly a "dead leg" where my water temp probe is located. I installed the probe in a 3/4" pipe tee coming off the 1/2" (?) pipe nipple just before the thermostat housing. I think I will try putting the probe in the other 3/4" pipe opening and see if it acts any different. I will also take your suggestion and make sure the heater is on when I start the engine. The fumes from the new engine block & exhaust manifold have just about diminished; so not a problem! Also I am getting between 55-60 oil pressure! Thanks Guys!

 

[Mercury Mike]

Sounds like you're in good shape! Happy driving!

 

[Anonymous]

my tstat housing itself has a threaded hole in it where I can put a probe... however I managed to burn through the wire that went from there to the guage :roll: so I only have the stock one right now