Recently, I had my '65 Electra (401) out and drove it on a weekend trip, about 250 miles total. A good bit of the driving was on the highway, where my speed ranged from 65-80. I have a 180 degree thermostat that I put in last year, and usually the temp would vary a little, from around 180 to 195 and back during steady state driving. When I was on this most recent trip, I noticed the temp gauge sitting around 205-210 while driving on the highway, and the outdoor temperature was 85-90 degrees. I tried running the heat to cool it off, but that didn't do anything. The next day, in slightly cooler weather, I drove about 50 miles on a 2 lane highway, at a speed of 55-60 MPH, and it held cooler temps, right around 190. Once back on the 4-lane road, and speeds back to 65-80MPH, it heated back up. Does this sounds like normal operation and temperatures for the conditions the car was being driven in? Just to rule out a few things - The fan shroud is in place, the thermostatic clutch was replaced about a year ago, as was the coolant and all hoses. It holds temperature well in stop and go traffic, regardless of ambient temps. My temp gauge is a mechanical type, and I've verified it's accuracy using a high end infrared thermometer. I was planning to drive the Electra to BPG Nats next month, but I don't want to have problems while away! Any input is appreciated! :beer Thanks!!!
Scott those temps under those conditions wouldn't bother me a bit from an unrebuilt Nailhead. It's my understanding they run best around 190-200.:TU:
