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Classic Thunderbirds Engine Overheating

Classic Thunderbirds Engine OverheatingClassic Thunderbirds Engine OverheatingClassic Thunderbirds Engine Overheating

1955/56/57 Thunderbird overheating

(602) 722-0749

Classic Thunderbirds Engine Overheating

Classic Thunderbirds Engine OverheatingClassic Thunderbirds Engine OverheatingClassic Thunderbirds Engine Overheating

1955/56/57 Thunderbird overheating

(602) 722-0749

The Challenge

Engine Overheating

We live in Phoenix and have owned our ’56 Thunderbird since 2003.  Driving our T-Bird over the first 13 years was frequently a struggle with engine overheating.  While Classic Thunderbirds are excellent parade cars, even driving in our 20 minute Thanksgiving Day Parade that starts at 9:00 AM was a challenge.  In 2014 we had the engine rebuilt which launched a project that resulted in the redesign of the water pump spacer and ultimately the manufacturing of that spacer.  I detailed the effort in an article titled Eureka Moment with Engine Cooling published in the 2017 January-February issue of Classic Thunderbird Club International’s Early Bird magazine. Refer to the download section for a copy.

Engine Cooling System OEM Water Pump  Spacer

OEM Spacer

In this illustration, an OEM spacer is in-place on a timing chain cover with a water pump in relative position above. With the water pump installed on the spacer, the center of the impeller vanes is approximately at the point of the flow arrow.  Centrifugal force keeps the fastest moving coolant to the outer circumference of the spacer chamber.  Coolant departs the impeller vanes and impacts the offset portion of the interior surface, perpendicular to the surface.  The spacer does not channel the coolant to the volute opening in the timing chain cover.

Engine Cooling System A432 Redesigned Water Pump Spacer

Patented A-432 Spacer

Here, a patented A-432 spacer is in-place on a timing chain cover.  With the water pump mounted on the front of the A-432 spacer, again, the center of the impeller vanes is approximately at the point of the flow arrow, and centrifugal force keeps the fastest moving coolant to the outer circumference of the spacer chamber.  Coolant departs the impeller vanes and contacts the volute extension at approximately a 30-degree angle.  The volute extension channels the coolant flow rearward into the volute opening, reducing turbulence and increasing flow.  And the A-432 is cast iron with the same external contours and sand cast finish as the OEM version.  A-432 spacer 

Comparison Of Spacers Bolted To The Water Pump

Price List

Patented A-432 Extended volute spacer & gasket set

$236.00

A-432 Handling and shipping - Domestic

$8.00

A-432 water pump spacer gasket set

$5.65

1/32" vegtable fiber gaskets, front and rear spacer, thermostat housing, and water bypass tube, includes domestic shipping

OEM water pump spacer gasket set

$5.65

1/32" vegetable fiber gaskets, front and rear spacer, thermostat housing and water bypass tube, includes domestic shipping

Call or email for international shipping cost.

To Order:

Email your name, mailing address and phone number, and we will email an invoice.

PARAGON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

1013 W Iris Drive

Gilbert, AZ 85233-7913

(602) 722-0749


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Downloads

Technical articles & Test Cards 

on Classic Thunderbird engine overheating solutions

Eureka moment with engine cooling - Rev 4/2/19 (pdf)Download
Potential obstruction to coolant flow - Rev- 7/11/21 (pdf)Download
Engine Cooling Test Card '55-'56 2021 (pdf)Download
Engine Cooling Test Card '57 2021 (pdf)Download

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Paragon Technology, Inc.

1013 W Iris Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85233, us

(602) 722-0749

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