Running way too hot.

[Irish_Alley]

you sure your gauge is right? 165 w/o a thermostat, now 210 with the restrictor?

[1979C20]

I used to be able to touch thing In my engine bay. Now I can hardly pop the hood because everytging is so hot.

[Elpresidente]

I started having the same problem. As simple as it sounds, get an aluminum rad. I bought one used just for the heck of it thinking it might make a difference, but it cooled it right down. now its 35C here and I couldn't overheat my truck today if I tried.

[1979C20]

Well I just did plugs and wires. Its helping so far. I need to drive it more to be sure but right now its at 170. Will post back tomorrow.the only aluminum radiator I can get is a 1 core. Id rather keep the 3 core.

[Fairlane514]

Here's the radiator I bought, it fits great and so far cools to 180-185 in Houston. I also have a 180 thermostat.

http://www.radiators4less.com/node/detail/358882

[1979C20]

Well plugs and plug wires did the trick surprisingly. Its staying under 200, usually about 170-190. Im gonna fart around with different size restrictors and if im not satisfied ill gut a thermostat.

[Fairlane514]

Please do some research on thermostats, gutting one is not really advised. A 180 degree should work just fine. You want the water to stay in the radiator long enough to cool and therefore cool water running through the motor. If it flows too fast (gutted thermostat) it doesn't have time to cool down before returning to the motor.