The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Overheating

I have a problem with a 49 wrecker. I just got it running but now it runs hot. I first started it and it ran great for about 3 minutes then the temp gauge suddenly went from 180(Coldest) to 220(Hotest). I instantly shut it down and put a new thermostat and I am waiting on a new water pump. I tried it again with the new thermostat because the old one was corroded and it did it again and again I killed it ASAP. I want to know if it is the water pump or is it a head gasket. I know it could be either. There is no water in the oil like when a head gasket goes. I know someone out there has dealt with this and can lead me to a place to start. I cant decide whether to fight it or just put the 4 cylinder diesel in it that I have in the back and build a hot rod.
Thanks
Brad

Sounds like it's airlocked. Does it boil over too? Drill a small by-pass hole into the flange of the thermostat to let the trapped air out from under the t-stat and park it nose up on a steep incline. This purges the air out every time for me. Also, when it "burps" the air out, shut it off for a few minutes, add some coolant and start it again. Feel around for cool spots like the lower radiator. They tend to plug up with age,
Good luck,
Scott