acceptable running temperature
 

What would be an expected/acceptable running temperature for my 1930 "A"? On a typical summer day-- 80-85 degrees--It quickly heats up to 150-160 degrees If I run it a few miles it climbs up to 180 and more though no boil over. If I take a 25 mile trip it seems to run at between 160-180--the hot end of the gauge spectrum. In cool weather it stays around 150 degrees. Is this normal or do I have problems? The engine seems to run well, no oil consumption--Came with the car and was "supposed to be rebuilt" whatever that means! Have new heavy duty radiator installed, I believe ignition to be properly timed. With previous "A"s, had similar experiences--one was bored out to 125 over. The other well, the modern points didn't fit too well causing car not to run at full advanced until we figured it out and had to grind the corners off the points to make them fit in the distributor without binding.Any help and opinions would be appreciated. Skip, in Ohio

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

maybe radiator .

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

I've got a new radiator, new rebuild motor, and 160 thermostat in mine and it runs between 160 and 180, which is a good temperature range as far as the motor goes. A little warmer would be fine for the motor too, as long as we could be sure it wouldn't boil over on a really hot day. Boiling point of unpressurized water is around 212 and of 50/50 antifreeze around 220.

If you're sure you don't have a thermostat, there could either be some rust blockage in the block or who-knows-what in the radiator. Overgreasing the water pump with water proof grease can plug up the radiator core. I would say that as long as it doesn't get up closer to 200 on the hottest days and pulling hills, you're good to go. Be sure that your timing isn't retarded and your brakes aren't dragging.

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

Like Steve said. But, I'd add that if you do not have a thermostat installed, then it is running a tad too hot. Mine without a thermostat runs in the 140 range on 90 degree days.

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

Here's a picture that Bob Johnson posted a while back. I hope he doesn't mind me reposting it. As P.S. said, you might have a "tad" of a problem. Doesn't look like it's worth worrying about to me; others may have a different judgment.

Steve

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

With all this chat about thermostats and temperature , I assume the sender should be on the engine side of the thermostat . If the stat is in the top hose and the sender below it, the stat is then virtually at the radiator inlet which goes against what I have read about the stat being as close to the engine as possible ! Am I missing something here?
John

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

I don't see anything to be concerned about. 160-180 is good in warm weather. With 100 plus days we see temps 180-200 depending on driving conditions.

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

Hmmm...

Last weekend, drove about 25 miles from a destination to home in 97 degree heat. Car temp never went over 150 degrees, including driving on some rolling hills. Car has an original radiator, not new. But it is clean.

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

I believe "clean" is the operative word here................
Paul in CT

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

What is optimal formula for flow rate through the radiator? f filled w/ water how long should it take to empty?

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

Don't bother with the time/drain check. It's worthless and may lead to a false sense of security. If you think you have a plugged radiator, then you probably do, and you might fix it with the vinegar treatment, like I did late last summer.

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

Skip...To answer your original question...IMO: Your operating temperature is close to perfect for how you are operating the engine. Be aware of the operating temp but not worried.
Good Day!

Re: acceptable running temperature
 

i also feel your ok