Classic/Antique Car Repair: 39 LaSalle Running Hot, vibration damper, timing light

Question
My 39 LaSalle 5019 is running hot, the hoses have not collapsed, the dwell is where it should be at 31 dgrees, timing is at -5 radiator is ok, have fkushed and is still running hot.  HELP!!!! Thanks

Bill King

Answer
The first thing that I would do is to reset the timing. If you have the timing at 5 degrees retarded (-5) the engine will run hot. The correct timing for that car is IG/A mark on the vibration damper set at the pointed when the plug is firing (as when checking with a timing light, or the points just opening when checking without the engine running. Try that and let me know what happens.
Brad