1941 cooling

[TomC750]

Originally Posted by 38 coupe

I agree with ford38v8, you don't have a problem to fix. 3/4 hot on a stock gauge is 180 F, normal operating temperature for a flathead V8. What you have is an engine with wear, but not worn so bad it needs a rebuild. If there is any oil pressure at idle, and no bad sounds, then drive with confidence.

Thanks 38 coupe. I have a better prospective of where I am at. I took temperature readings at the radiator tank with a good cooking thermometer. it has along stem that reaches well into the water. I blocked the radiator with cardboard and ran the engine at fast idle. Even with the rad blocked it took a while to warm up. When the dash gauge was in the middle, my thermometer read 180*. When it continued to warm up and the dash gauge was all the way to the right on the furthest mark my thermometer read 195*. Looks to me like I am OK. I decided I would remove the thermostats prior to flushing, only to discover there are none! I will order. It may be that it will run cooler without the coolant circulating so fast. I have not flushed yet, did not buy enough for a 24 qt system! Will tomorrow.