i just installed a new water pump on my 71 4dr mav. and took the opportunity to flush the radiator and install a temp guage. previously all i had was the idiot light. since installing the guage the average temp is around 200-215. this seems too hot to me. is this the normal temp for a 302, auto, w/a.c.? i would think around 180-190 would be better. do i need to install a lower temp thermostat or possibly the new water pump is defective?
alot of variables i see from your signature that your in florida. from the start your in a hot state, but it seems like i have had alot of trouble with overheating too. did you put in a 195 thermostat? and how long did the car run before you checked the temp? was it sitting at a light? since your car has air conditioning, like mine my car would heat to around 210 at a stop light with the air on. but when i got back up to speed it cools down... maybe you checked it just sitting at the house with no air moving through the radiator. i installed a universal 16" electric fan and it did the trick. but then again i have a 180 thermostat,and a 3 core radiator...i found out that my problem was since the car set for over 10 years i have a buildup of rust.....no matter how many times i've flushed it...it still happens...so i have to deal with it untill i get it tanked. take care....
the original thermostat is still in the car. i haven't changed it yet. i don,t know what the set temp is. i tested it in several different areas. i ran at idle for 20 min and gat to 200. turn on the air and it gets to 215-218. i also ran it in stop and go traffic for about 45 min. and it climbed to 215. on the highway i have been reading about 195-205. what were you running temp wise before you added the electric fan? paw has a 165 degree thermostat in their catalog would this be to cool for this engine?
More than likely the radiator is clogged up. Putting a hose in the top does nothing to tell you the condition it is in. It only takes about 3 or 4 of those tubes to be open to pass the water that comes out a garden hose. Take it to a radiator shop and get it rodded out.
i was thinking that might be the problem. if anyone could direct me i knew it was this forum. do you think the lower temp thermostat would be worth changing to also? i also found out that i get to replace my heater core( as soon as i get all the antifreeze out of the carpet) this was my first revelation while i was researching the overheating problem. for now it is bypassed while i order a new core from autokrafters. always something. i LOOOOVVVEE old cars. i still wouldn't trade for a new one.
My Mav has a 302 with the stock cooling system (3 core radiator with fan shroud and stock fan). I run a 180 degree thermostat and the engine runs between 175 to 185 consistantly. It never goes over 195, even on a hot day sitting idle in traffic...
