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Classic/Antique Car Repair/39 LaSalle Running Hot

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Expert: - 5/26/2008


Question
My 39 LaSalle 5019 is running hot, the hoses have not collapsed, the dwell is where it should be at 31 dgrees, timing is at -5 radiator is ok, have fkushed and is still running hot.  HELP!!!! Thanks

Bill King

Answer
The first thing that I would do is to reset the timing. If you have the timing at 5 degrees retarded (-5) the engine will run hot. The correct timing for that car is IG/A mark on the vibration damper set at the pointed when the plug is firing (as when checking with a timing light, or the points just opening when checking without the engine running. Try that and let me know what happens.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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