now i can't keep up with traffic

so i got the overheating problems outta the way, or so i thought. took it out to get a sticker today, and it started off fine, but then started warming up about 3 miles into the trip. i finally pulled over when it was between 210* and 220* when i full throttle in 2nd and only going about 15-20mph. so i turned around, pulled into a church parking lot, and let it cool down. had to do this 2 more times to get it home. i installed a 180* thermostat, would i be better off with a 160*?? or is running 210*-220* ok and something else is goin on??

 

What condition is the radiator in? Any kind of blockage/obstruction/damage/deposits is bad ju-ju.

 

i see two things here........

#1 running hot


#2 full throttle in 2nd and only going 15-20 mph



conclusion= timing issue, no power and running hot can be caused by the timing, also how clean is your cooling system, running hot will cause loss of power also, but i wouldnt think so @ 210* - 220*

 

Does it consume coolant?

Did the power return in 2nd (or any gear for that matter) on your way home?

I don't think a lower temp T-stat is the answer, I think you have something else going on.

 

i flushed the whole system with a garden hose a few days ago when i redid the t-stat, so i know it's clean of loose floating stuff. that being said, the rad may have some more stubborn blockages, cause it looks to be the original one. so i should prob drain it and run a bottle of radiator cleaner through it. idk why i didnt do that the first time it was apart....

i don't think i've run it long enough to really burn off any coolant, but when i just checked, the radiator is just as full as when i filled it up previous to today's escapades.

which leaves.....the timing. how do i check this?? how do i change it?? what should it be at?? i have no idea what to look for.

 

first thing to do is pull the radiator and send it to a shop to get boiled out and check. next re-route you fuel line to the carb, I bet you where starting to vapor lock.

 

but its not running any rougher. it still sounds fine and isnt 'bucking' like i understand vapor lock usually does

 

doesnt always

 

Agree with the guys,, timing first, poss bad thermostat second (Ive had new ones that were bad), radiator full flush and or entire coolant flush third, possible vapor lock fourth and if still issue possible head gasket. I had a bad head gasket that caused me quite a bit of heartache especially when first new gasket didnt seal and had to do it all again!!!

 

timing on a l head is set the same way as the f head or any other motor with a distributor that is non esc = eletronic spark controll. timing marks are on the flywheel, or that is where they are supposed to be, i dont know my way around the l head that well, sammy has been thru it though may shoot him a pm

 

perfect. thats what i've been looking for. and it'll be a huuuge help cause i called the PO last night and he told me that the flywheel was put on backward

 

:?
say tahw ?

 

Just happened in to read this thread.

Are you serious ? That's pure nonsense.

 

yea its either backward or just plain on wrong. he suggested that i 'tune it by ear'.

does he not know what hes talking about?? i dont know enough to know if what he said even makes sense, or if its possible. i think its safe to say that its not on there the right way. but is it 180* off?? or can it actually be on backward, (flipped front to back, back to front)

 

If the flywheel was reversable on the mounting, it would still have the timing mark in the correct place.. But the starter bendix would not engauge and the clutch would not work. If you cannot find the timing mark on the flywheel it may be due to very heavy rust under grease. You may have to use a gauge in the spark plug hole to bring engine to TDC and re mark the flywheel.

 

could be 180 deg out, if so just put the timing light on the tower 180 deg from #1, could be worse, mine has a f head flywheel on a l head engine, but i swaped out the pulley and tthe timing indicator

 

I saw in another thread here that if the flywheel is 180 out, you time it with #3 cylinder. That way you can see the marks.