Boling Point

ROBERT GWALTNEY · #1 (**permalink**) 05-30-2011, 05:40 AM

I have the 392 ford crate rated at 475hp, Yesterday when driving the electric water pump was not switched on so the engine overheated. Temp gague peged out and upper hose blew off..I let it cool down put the hose back on, added almost 2 gal of water and drove it home. temp did not go over 190 on 5 mile trip home.. What kind of damage should i be looking for.

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 05-30-2011, 06:00 AM

How did it drive when you put the hose and water back in it? Like normal?

DAVID GAGNARD · #3 (**permalink**) 05-30-2011, 07:57 AM

If you have no water or oil leaks anywhere and the engine is not making any "strange' noises and now running "normal" water temps and oil pressure, don't worry about it.....drive it,but keep an eye on things....

David

blykins · #4 (**permalink**) 05-30-2011, 08:00 AM

I would agree with David.

I saw an engine get so hot from water pump failure though that it started missing. Certainly not a good place to be in with aluminum heads. That's why I asked if it was running like normal after you filled it back up.

Jerry Clayton · #5 (**permalink**) 05-30-2011, 08:02 AM

and maybe put a belt driven water pump on it

mreid · #6 (**permalink**) 05-30-2011, 08:39 AM

Or at least add a thermostatically controlled switch. I also agree, you are fine, but watch for overheating and check your fluids (water and oil) more regularly for the next couple of hundred miles. Sometimes a warped head (biggest potential issue) doesn't show up until a few heat cycles.

ROBERT GWALTNEY · #7 (**permalink**) 05-30-2011, 08:26 PM

Thanks for the imput..it drove fine after the cool down, but I drove it slow and easy. Tomorrow I will take it for a test drive

RICK LAKE · #8 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 04:18 AM

ROBERTGWALTNEY Rob change the oil and filter of the motor. Also check the PCV valve for any discolored or milkey crud on these parts. If a valve cover is easy to pull, check for coolant on valve cover. IF nothing found I would say that you have a 95% OK and did no damage to the motor. I would mark and keep an eye on the overfill tank of coolant for the next couple of drives. I would add a bottle of water wetter to help lubed the seals in the water pump from the over heating. Make sure your oil pressure OK. I would change that water pump to a belt drive one. Unless you are drag racing and looking for every last HP, the old way works fine and you don't have to worry about hitting a switch. JMO. Rick L.

Gaz64 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 05:02 AM

How long did you let it cool for before you added the water?

2 gallons of cold water could thermal shock the metals of the engine.

Most definately change the oil and filter, keep an eye out for coolant loss for a few days, then flush and change the coolant.

ROBERT GWALTNEY · #10 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 06:03 PM

I let it cool down for a hour then added the water, turned on the water pump and as it circulated I topped it off put the cap on cranked it up then drove it for about 10 miles to the house. If by chance the heads are not damaged should I remove the valvue covers and check the headbolts. I plan to replace the spark plugs and check for water in the cylinders also will change the oil and filter

DAVID GAGNARD · #11 (**permalink**) 05-31-2011, 06:47 PM

It wouldn't hurt to re-torque the head bolts while your working on it.......I'm betting after a 10 mile ride with no problems,as long as the water temp now is the pretty much the same as before and the same for the oil pressure, you didn't hurt anything and you'll be fine.........

David