67' L79 Normal operating water temperature

[David K.]

Hello to all;
I'm running a newly restored L-79 67' with less than 100 miles since complete restoration....and see the water temperature going to 210 and then creep up to 230 degrees after 4 to 5 miles with the hot weather we're experiencing this summer (95F)....driving is "stop and go" between stop signs around back streets in town.....is this considered a normal - acceptable temperature ?
Thanks in advance

[Leif A.]

Re: 67' L79 Normal operating water temperature

David,
Have you verified the actual water temperature with an IR gun at both the thermostat housing and the temp sending unit? Was the engine worked on/bored out during the restoration? Do you have a correct and functioning 15# cap on your surge tank? Are you running a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water? Are you using the correct and functioning vacuum advance can? Is your timing adjusted correctly? In your 1967 owners manual you will find that the temperatures you're experiencing are quite normal for the ambient temperature you're driving in and the conditions you're driving under. Check out these few things and if your car is not boiling over either during driving or after shutdown, then you're most likely OK.

[Larry M.]

Re: 67' L79 Normal operating water temperature

David,
Have you verified the actual water temperature with an IR gun at both the thermostat housing and the temp sending unit? Was the engine worked on/bored out during the restoration? Do you have a correct and functioning 15# cap on your surge tank? Are you running a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water? Are you using the correct and functioning vacuum advance can? Is your timing adjusted correctly? In your 1967 owners manual you will find that the temperatures you're experiencing are quite normal for the ambient temperature you're driving in and the conditions you're driving under. Check out these few things and if your car is not boiling over either during driving or after shutdown, then you're most likely OK.

Agree with Leif. I would add, be certain thermostat is 180 F. After 1968 factory thermostats were typically 195 F, so a lot of what is available is that temperature.....which is a bit too high for your car. So check and be sure you have a 180 F in the car.

Larry

[Mark E.]

Re: 67' L79 Normal operating water temperature

Leif has a good list. I would add-

- Radiator? A new or recored radiator adds a lot of cooling capacity compared to a good but used radiator.
- Is the fan clutch working properly?
- Check for complete sealing around the radiator, core support and hood.

My big block can hold its own in hot weather and heavy traffic. That said, it's not my car of choice for this duty. I just don't like stressing it like that.

[Rich G.]

[David K.]

Re: 67' L79 Normal operating water temperature

Finally bought an infra-red gun at Auto Zone for $38.00 bucks, and it's worth every penny ! Pointed it to the thermostat housing after a good run, and had a reading of 210 degrees which matched the temp guage in the car..... I'm good with this.
One very important note ! the gentleman who restored the car advised me to run it with the heater on for a couple of miles in case air got trapped when we changed the upper radiator hose.....and he was right on ! The overheating went away, and the car now runs at 210-215 in hot weather & stop and go traffic.
I strongly reccoment an IR gun to everyone. I even pointed it an my wife when she got mad at me yesterday.......her temperature was way up.....