1963 Pontiac Bonneville Overheating

1963 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
93,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
HARRY DEBUTTS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
While driving at speed engine remains cool (below 200) but quickly heats up when slowing or stopped for any length of time. Fluid is and remains full and radiator seems in good condition with no visible leaks.

What indications are there of a slow water pump failure aside from catastrophic - as in when it literally quits.
Aug 8, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
RASMATAZ
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 75,992 POSTS
Test or replace the thermostat and recheck the coolant level-if okay get it block and pressure tested.

Checking water pump

One way to test for a bad water pump is to squeeze the upper radiator hose when the engine is hot and idling. Careful, because the hose will be HOT! If you do not feel much coolant circulating through the hose when you rev the engine, the pump may be bad. The other cause might be a bad thermostat that is not opening properly (remove and inspect the thermostat), or a clogged radiator
Aug 8, 2008 at 4:31 PM
Avatar
MERLIN2021
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 17,250 POSTS
I know most 63's didnt have a fan clutch, but if yours does, this is a symtom of a bad one!
Aug 9, 2008 at 6:33 AM
Advertisement