UK Car Repair: mgb water temperature, antifreeze coolant, temperature guage

Question
dear sir,
could you tell me the usual temperature that the mgb should run at? my ordinary everyday car is a nissan micra the temperature guage on this car only reads hot or cold but as you may be aware the mgbs guage is graduated in degrees she normally runs at about 180 -190 degrees is this normal,also she gets very hot inside the car as well,that is with the heating turned off,it seems to be emminating from the footwell area,did i mention that she is automatic,she seems to run fine apart from this.i did notice that before we went out for a run the water colour was clear but on return and when she had cooled down sufficiently the water had taken on a slightly brown colour,would this indicate a problem,many thanks,colin.

Answer
180 Farenheit? Yes the thermostat is 180oF.

Make sure you use Antifreeze/coolant at 30-70%  Otherwise the cooling system will corrode and clog up. (Mention of orange water = This is already happening, Flush the system first, then add 50% coolant 50% water or so)


Check the Footwell-heat-vent-closing-mechanism....
Does it close when you move the heater controls?

Check the heater valve (Hot water valve) Closes when you turn the heat off.