Temp diff between heads?

[Vinnie]

Hey folks,

Everytime after I drive my 73 (351C 2V) I measure temperatures of the heads and manifolds using an infrared temp gun, simple point and click. I noticed that the pass. side is always a lot hotter (+/- 30C) than the drivers side. On the pass. side I measure temps ranging from 160-210 degrees celcius and drivers side 90-170.

On the pass. side the alternator sits infront of the head blocking airflow. On the drivers side the airco pump isn’t there anymore so that head gets more airflow.

Does the above explain the difference or could something be wrong?

Cheers,

Vincent.

 

[Don C]

I don't believe that airflow (or not) would make that much difference. Most of the cooling depends on coolant flow.

I would take the readings on different spots and compare lowest and highest temperatures on the two heads. You might try taking readings on the top of the block on each side of the thermostat, that is where the coolant flow from each side of the block comes from.

Some of the passages in the heads are fairly small and it doesn't take much to plug them up with rust and minerals from using regular water from the faucet.

As David pointed out in another thread, getting the head gaskets on in the correct orientation is critical.

As long as there aren't any casting flaws in the water pump and the water pump gasket was cut correctly, there shouldn't be any issue there.

 

[Vinnie]

I read about the gaskets and have the square corners at the front of the heads so that should be OK.

 

[Don C]

As long as they were cut right and the holes match and are the correct size, just one of the things an engine assembler should do, not assume that new gaskets mean good to go.

 

[SVO2SCJ]

Do you have the metal /asbestos heat shield over the exhaust manifold on the driver side? If you are taking the readings at the same place, and IT NOT BEING near the shield then "forget about this reply!" Lack of shield would heat the outside of the head differently.

Mark

 

[TommyK]

Intake manifold distribution anomalies can cause some cylinders to run hotter (leaner) than others which can cause the cylinder head temp variance you are seeing. You can usually see this in the spark plug color. On my 460 the number 4 header tube always reads hotter than the others and the plug reads accordingly.

 

[Vinnie]

No heatshield.

Guess I could check the plugs although I doubt they’ll show much with the little driving I do...

 

[Carolina_Mountain_Mustangs]

If the engine does not overheat or does not blow coolant I would not worry about variations of temp from left to right. If you have the correct thermostat, head gaskets correct and timing right do not worry about it. You will get thousands of miles out of the engine.

D