I've got a 71 200CID and was wondering if the radiator is supposed to spit out water out through the top when the cap is off? Is this normal? Just wondering. I think my temp gage is no good as I installed a New Sending unit but it still goes straight hot once I turn it on. Any and all opinions and thoughts welcome. Thanks, another new guy.
If the gauge goes straight to hot when the key is turned on, your wire from the sending unit may be grounding out.
When the engine is warm and the thermostat is open there is a constant flow of water through the radiator. SInce the water enters on the top it is possible for it to spill/spit out of the top. (Mine does on occasion) What you don't want is surging of the water level or large, continuous bubbles. (signs of head gaskget issues?) I also agree with the gauge question. In my experience most electrical issues for me anyways seem to ALWAYS be a bad ground!
If your engine is over-heating right away you may have a defective thermostat or it may be install backwards.
