1968 SS396 - when temps reach over 80 outside the engine starts to heat up -climbing over 190 with ease at a stop sign-cruising it stays @ 180. New waterpump-new radiator core - new thermostat - new fan belts. Not a radical motor - .030 over - all street worthy. New Dist. & timing @ 6. Any suggestions????

Check where your total timing is at. If you have an adjustable light, check to see that your timing is somewhere close to 30 to 36 deg. @ 3000 rpm. 6 deg. initial sounds a bit late to me. It just might need a little advance. Also, make sure your vac. advance is working and that it is hooked up to manifold vac.

[This message has been edited by 68RS (edited 03-17-99).]

I sounds like it's running at a perfect temp! If it gets over 210, I would worry about it, but 190 is nothing to worry about. And when cruising, if it drops to 180, no problem. My Chevy truck runs around 200 all the time with a 4 core radiator, but never overheats. I would just climb in her, and cruise and not worry about it, but keep an eye on the gauge.

Thanks scooter but tou missed my drift. I wouldn't mind 180 - that's cool - I wouldn't mind 190 -that's cool too but when I stop at a light or get into stop & go traffic, I watch the gauge creep rather rapidy from that cool 180 past 190 up to 200 and it gives me no indication of stopping there. I'm wondering if I should resort to an electrically operated fan mounted on the outside of the rad to help cool the savage beast???

Sounds like it's time for a new fan clutch. About 35 bucks. Might do wonders. tom

Tried that too-when rad core ws replaced-so was the fan hub clutch. Thanks for the idea Tom.

This may be an ignorant reply, but I had the same prob in my 69BB. I bought a new fan, and so on and so on and so on, but in the end I bought a new 160 degree thermostat and now it runs and idles at 180. If it is a hot day, however, It will creep up to 200 at a stop light.

Thanks 427 - I've given that some thought and may try it - also the timing sounds interesting.The problem has persisted for 3 years now. I know that big blocks tend to run hot but this is ridiculous.

Thanks 427 - I've given that some thought and may try it - also the timing sounds interesting.The problem has persisted for 3 years now. I know that big blocks tend to run hot but this is ridiculous.

This may be to obvious, but I did not see it mentioned. Are you using a fan shroud? Is the fan tucked in far enough for it to be effective?

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Fan shroud in place - fan is approx. 1/2 way inside the shroud - just where they tell me it's supposed to be.