New 360 Crate motor running Hot - 210-215 degrees

[Johnny Cuda]

I am an Idiot!!  Heres the deal, problem fixed, went out and got a 160 degree thermostat with a built in valve to prevent air pockets. Took the car out this afternoon and she ran at a cool 172 to 175 degrees at an outside temperature of 65 degrees.

The crate motor came with the 195 degree tstat so I was thinkin must be the right one, only problem is the motor is built for newer computer contolled vehicles.

The temps here in Virginia get up to 98 humid degrees in the summer so that is why I wanted to go with something cooler. Any problems with running this cool?

Thanks for all of your responses and input, I hope someone in the future can use my stupidity to avoid a similiar mistake. On a good note I did not kill my motor!!

 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

That's interesting. I never would have guessed.  As for what temperature you are reading now, I think you are fine. When it gets into the 80's, and the humidity creeps back into the East, that will rise some, but it shouldn't get near 200. Yes, your thermostat is rated low, but I wouldn't mess with it.

  Mike

[Bullitt-]

    groovy man groovy 

[Oldschool]

      

[71383bee]

advance the timing at idle , where is it set now ?

   Check the timing.  It might need a little advance, does it diesel when shut down or is it hard to start?  It may be a timing issue. 

Good point though about the possible air bubble though.  It is common on start up.  i was told to start the car and run it w/o the cap for a few minutes and watch for the coolent level to drop.  When it does just top her off with 50/50 coolant and your good to go. 

[Johnny Cuda]

Bee,

The timing is right on! Starts up nice, no dieseling, and runs great.

John

[JimCuda]

To answer someone question on running the T-stat turned over. I had a 340 that ran cooler with it turned over and took way longer to warm up. However in the colder months it was near impossible to warm her up. Eventually you will want to replace the T-stat with one that fits your app.