Classic/Antique Car Repair: temperature range, degree thermostat, temp guage

Question
i just put in a new crated 350 engine in my 70 nova, the temp guage has gotten up to 230 degrees. what is the range it should be and if to high possible fixes? thanks so much

Answer
A new, tight engine will always run hot until it is well broken in.  230 is scary high, though, so I'd check that the cooling system is in good shape.  You should be running a 195 degree thermostat, and you shouldn't see much above 200 or maybe 210 unless you are pulling a long hill on a hot day with the AC going full blast.  The high temp isn't going to hurt anything, so long as you are running 30% to 50% anti-freeze, and your radiator cap is holding 15 PSI or so.  Damage to the engine won't occur before 250 or so, as long as you don't hear boiling or lose coolant.

I'd take the radiator to a shop and have them flow check it, and rod it out if neccesary.  Of course you've already checked to make sure you have a good fan clutch - right?  And that the water pump belt is tight? If this happens only in high speed driving, check to see that the spring is still inside the lower radiator hose - many folks do not realize this is important to keep the lower hose from collapsing at high RPM due to the vacuum pulled by the water pump.  The springs are often thrown away by mistake.  If you're using the aftermarket flex type hose, it always has the spring in it.

It is always possible that there is a problem with the tuning (mixture and timing) of the engine, but if it seems to have normal power, and you don't hear any odd noises like pinging, or popping out the exhaust pipe, that is all probably OK.

Dick