We've upgraded to a 302 HO motor, with a 302 firing order, since the last show @ SS. Got past the 500 mile break-in period. Did oil change @ 500 mile (purple synthetic & Z-Max). Have always had a heating issue during break-in and after. Did numerous things as you see below. Have a heating issue that's changed just recently. Tried 160 t-stat, didn't work. Went back to 180 t-stat stock. Worked better. Back to 195-ish, but would creep up idling. Used to run happy at 190 or less, and 210 at higher RPM. Now, shoots quickly to 215-235 at high speeds or stop lights. Upgraded to a steel blade 6-blade 17" fan, replacing the 5-blade flex-fan (already tried the electric fan), with no change. Figured the t-stat was worth checking into. Need to know about the drilling holes in the t-stat (air lock). Read from the archives about t-stats -- one 1/16th hole, at 12 o'clock. Another, at 1/8th we've seen. I've seen in Summit's catalog, EMP/Stewart Hi-Flow T-stats -- (3) 3/16ths holes. Never did the hole in the t-stat thing before. Bottom line, simple simon motor... just have heating issue need to resolve. 302 HO Cam, Intake = .448 / Exhaust + .472 / Intake Dur + .280 / Exhaust Dur .295 Bored .30 Head casting = FI Edelbrock 600 cfm carb Edelbrock RPM Manifold MSD Distributor set at static 10 deg MSD Coil Blaster II 6901 Hooker Headers Stock Water Pump 2-tube Radiator 6-blade steel fan Shroud C-4 Transm, rebuilt, Stage II Street/Strip, 2500 stall And, yes, it was a long block bought locally. PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE Help!
At idle how hot is the air coming off the rad/fan. At 200 degrees the air from the fan should be good and hot. If the air is cool the rad is not efficient or you have a flow problem. I know thats not not an exact method but it works. If you feel the air coming off a good system at idle it will almost burn your hand with the engine above 200. Dont go stickin your hand in the fan though stay back near the dist.
It sound like you have one of two problems not a big enougth radiator or a lack of air plow across the radiator .. A two radiator will just about cool a 6 cyl .. You might want to try a trauas fan for more air flow if that is not enought cooling then go with a new 3 row radiator .. Are you running under drive pulleys ????
