Too Cool

[65coronet]

Below is the specs on my 65 Coronet 440 (per the seller). Don't know much about the car as I have only owned it for a few months. My problem (I think) is this: it has a 165% therostat. I can let it sit and idle for ever and it never comes up to temp. It takes about 15 minutes of driving at 50-55 mph for it to warm up. It then hits 190 and then immediatly drops back down to 150. I would prefer it to maintain a temp somewhere between 165 -180. I want the wife to be able to drive it this summer (once in awhile) and then me give it some track time on the weekends. I just had the radiator recored. I tore the water pump apart and the insides are new. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Jeff


Engine

1969 383 BORED .030
TRW PISTONS
1975 452 HEADS WITH SUPER COMMANDO/MAGNUM SPRINGS
SUPER COMMANDO/MAGNUM CAMSHAFT
WINDAGE TRAY
ASSEMBLY BALANCED
HIGH VOLUME OIL PUMP
HOLLEY 700 DOUBLE PUMPER
M.P. CHROME VALVE COVERS
MOROSO AIR BREATHER
HIGH OUTPUT ELECTRONIC IGNITION
CHROME CONTROL BOX
SPIRAL CORE PLUG WIRES
ACCEL SUPER COIL

Transmission

1970 A-727B Torqueflite
Turbo Action Cheetah Valve Body
High Stahl (Hemi style) converter
Hurst Pro-Matic Shifter
New tranny mount

Differential

1970 3.55:1 Ring and Pinion with Sure Grip Unit
Modified Pinion Snubber

Suspension

New Monroe Gas-Matic Shocks
1973 Dodge Charger Disc Brakes
New Brake Hardware

[hemivaliant]

Have you tried another thermostat? It might be defective. Also verify the lower radiator hose isn't collapsing under power.


HV

[NewBlackDak]

What does it actually mean when the radiator hoses collapse?

[Christopher]

Sounds like a real nice car. Isn't it a bit cold in the morning where you live?? i live in Florida and it's been 40 when i go to work.The 160 degree thermostat and a good cooling system will do this.You may need to go with a 180 T-stat for winter and then switch to the 160 for summer.I had to do this with my 383 Road Runner.

[65coronet]

Thanks for the replies!!!

Yes it is rather cool up here right now, but this was back in July maybe August (geeze I guess I have had the car for about 6 months). Man I hate getting old. Can't rememeber what I had for breakfast. HA! I did not check the bottom hose, but did check the top hose. The thermo is good. I took it out, took it in the house and put it in a pan of water on the stove and watched for it to open.

I guess I need to check the bottom hose. Thanks again.

Jeff

[VetteKilla]

I'm having the same problems so let me know what happens, O.K.?
VETTEKILLA, hey check out my cooling problem.

[jelsr]

Sounds like the stat is too low, try 180 or 192. The engine will like it better for daily driving and it will help keep condensation down. You can put the 160 in for the weekend escapades. If the lower hose were collapsing it would cause an overheating condition.(lack of coolant on suction side) Lower hoses usually have an internal spring to prevent this.

[65 Coronet]

I just saw your post with the name 65coronet and was a little surprised to see that name.
then I noticed that yours is all one word.

Nice to know there is more then one of us.

65 Coronet

Dan