Expert: Sean Halliday - 8/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: i have a 1969 351 windsor and its a new engine. it idles with no problems but as soon as you go to drive it coolant comes out of the overflow hose. its not hot because i can put my hand under the overflow in the coolant as well as on top of the intake. everything is new including a cool as possible thermostat. the only difference i can think of is that i have a new radiator as well but the lower hose is on the opposite side to the upper and it used to be straight up from the lower. any help or ideas sure woul be appreciated. thanks

ANSWER: Your problem could be the radiator.It was built to be the way it was and possibly will not work the way you have installed it.Poor circulation may cause the coolant to overflow.Why did you change the original radiator?

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QUESTION:  hi sean,
thanks for such a quick reply. the radiator is from a 70 mustang and the car is a 69. the 69 radiator isnt available but the water pumps are the same. because it did it i havent been game to drive it but could it have been air in the system? i checked the radiator level when it was cold and it was ok.was thinking about removing the thermostat because my climate is warm but not hot and cold starting is not a problem.
thanks for your help

Answer
Yes,you could remove the thermostat as this engine is not computerized and the only thing will be the heater will take longer to get warm in the winter.If this is a sealed type cooling system,it may need to be bled if there is a bleed screw.Look at the thermostat housing for the small bleeder.Dont overfill the system or it may throw coolant out the overflow as it has done.