Preventing Your Classic Car from Overheating (Part 2)
Posted by Steve White on Dec 21, 2009
The thermostat in your classic car is a very important component, because it ensures that the coolant in the cooling system is properly circulated. When your car is cold, the thermostat will remain closed, and it will open when the car heats up. As it becomes older, it may fail to function effectively, and the car will become more vulnerable to overheating. If you find that your car is overheating even though the belts, hoses, and radiator are all in good condition, you should have the thermostat replaced.
The function of the freeze plugs is to prevent your classic car engine block from freezing. Over time, these plugs may become corroded by the engine coolant, or they may fail because of other reasons. This will cause leakage in the cooling system, which will in turn result in overheating. Inspect the freeze plugs in your car, and replace them if you see leakage around them.
Another thing you should look into is the head gasket. When the head gasket is damaged, the coolant in the cooling system may leak out. It can get messy, with the coolant ending up in the engine oil, and it will eventually lead to overheating. You should look out for this problem when you are checking your fluids.
Other components that do not belong to the cooling system can also cause your classic car to overheat. When the timing of the engine and the carburetor are not adjusted according to the manufacturer’s specifications, overheating may occur.
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