mydart270
myDart270
folks:
still trying to understand high temps w/ my Dodge Dart 270 SL-6/ rebuilt with 0.060 oversize pistons and rings. Motor sat for some 20+ years, fired right up, and w/ new carb, new distributor, and fuel pump, new water pump (NAPA), runs great. Timed at 0TDC, dwell at 42 deg, re-cored OEM rad, valves adj at 0.010 INT and 0.020 EXH. Spark plugs at 0.035 per spec. Stat is 180 dF. A/F screw set w/ vacuum gauge (highest reading 18 Hg at manifold).
Here is my problem. At idle and in driveway, TEMP meter will climb to about "P" on meter. I don't think this right. When driving I also see TEMP meter stay at about "P", sometimes just below HOT range on meter. It may come down a bit but it likes this area on gauge. Seems high too me.
I see a TEMP diff of about 20 deg on INLET and OUTLET of rad. This seems low. INLET at rad is 192 dF. No springs in bottom hose, will reinstall today plus pressure test although I don't see any 50/50 anti-freeze on ground or on frame. Will swap TEMP gauges also today, maybe OEM is reading HI. AMP meter is at "center"
Could 0.060 oversize be the culprit? Too much heat created? Sidewall thickness compromised?? Rust in the coolant passages? System drained and cleaned 2x with clean-out. Will try a "loaner" rad today from PRO that is almost a "look-a-like" to OEM. Car is totally restored and pretty w/ SL-6 but HIGH TEMPs bother me.
Any help appreciated. You guys are the best and know MOPARs. I am still new to old cars and love Dodge Darts. Thx again...
still trying to understand high temps w/ my Dodge Dart 270 SL-6/ rebuilt with 0.060 oversize pistons and rings. Motor sat for some 20+ years, fired right up, and w/ new carb, new distributor, and fuel pump, new water pump (NAPA), runs great. Timed at 0TDC, dwell at 42 deg, re-cored OEM rad, valves adj at 0.010 INT and 0.020 EXH. Spark plugs at 0.035 per spec. Stat is 180 dF. A/F screw set w/ vacuum gauge (highest reading 18 Hg at manifold).
Here is my problem. At idle and in driveway, TEMP meter will climb to about "P" on meter. I don't think this right. When driving I also see TEMP meter stay at about "P", sometimes just below HOT range on meter. It may come down a bit but it likes this area on gauge. Seems high too me.
I see a TEMP diff of about 20 deg on INLET and OUTLET of rad. This seems low. INLET at rad is 192 dF. No springs in bottom hose, will reinstall today plus pressure test although I don't see any 50/50 anti-freeze on ground or on frame. Will swap TEMP gauges also today, maybe OEM is reading HI. AMP meter is at "center"
Could 0.060 oversize be the culprit? Too much heat created? Sidewall thickness compromised?? Rust in the coolant passages? System drained and cleaned 2x with clean-out. Will try a "loaner" rad today from PRO that is almost a "look-a-like" to OEM. Car is totally restored and pretty w/ SL-6 but HIGH TEMPs bother me.
Any help appreciated. You guys are the best and know MOPARs. I am still new to old cars and love Dodge Darts. Thx again...