Temperature and Cooling question

[69Rcode_Mach1]

I have a 1969 Mach 1 with 351 Windsor 4v. I have a stock 2 row radiator. My car runs at around 3/4's temp. Is that okay.I just have the dummy guage here's how it runs.

C|____|__|H

And when i get out of the car for 5-10 mins and get back in its maxed out till i start driving. Do i need to adjust the thermostat if its up too high. It was brought up to Utah from California and i haven't adjusted the thermostat.

 

[crushnut]

Put a mechanical guage in there to see what you temp really is, but i think you are fine, as long as it isnt overheating.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

Stupid question, but how do i know exactly when the car is overheating. I was thinking of upgrading to the original 4rows they had on some cars. Would that make a big difference??

 

[Hack]

Stupid question, but how do i know exactly when the car is overheating. I was thinking of upgrading to the original 4rows they had on some cars. Would that make a big difference??

Overheating is when it pukes. That means it got too hot for the cap to hold the pressure.

 

[69Rcode_Mach1]

o isee thanks well anymore info will be appreciated i don't know will the old 4row make a big diff. i mean it is twice as many rows. im in desert utah and it gets to 95-103 in dead july.

 

[Ronstang]

Ariane,

Get a candy thermometer from your mom and let the car warm up to operating temp with the cap off the radiator. Once a stable temp is reached use the thermometer to see what the temp is in the top of the radiator (this will be about the same as manifold temp but a little off since not under pressure) and then look where the guage is registering. This will give you an idea of what the guage is actually telling you.

If your radiator is old and needs to be replaced then I suggest you go with the 4 row copper/brass radiator or get a 2 row aluminum one. As you build up the engine with all the new parts to make HP you will also make more heat so just because you do not overheat now does not mean you won't in the future so it is always best to have more cooling capacity than you need.