Re: 327 Engine Operating Temp Range

Posted by TxGoat On 2023/4/15 10:09:37

A bigger fan will help cooling at idle and low speeds. The penalty is usually more noise and more power consumed by the fan. A clutch fan avoids the penalty by regulating the fan as needed. Late timing, whether from an incorrect initial setting or due to improper and out-of-spec distributor operation, will cause excess temperature rise, especially at idle and low speeds. Wear in the mechanical parts, including timing chain, etc, may be such that an initial timing setting 2 to 5 degrees or so earlier than stock may be helpful. Most old distributors need the advance mechanisms repaired and adjusted to work properly and give best performance and mileage and prevent overheating and other issues related to erratic timing or an off-spec timing curve.
The fan has little to no effect at road speeds over about 30 MPH. A low temperature thermostat won't cure issues related to late timing or debris in the cooling system or a water pump issue. It will allow an engine to run too cold under some conditions if the cooling system is in good condition. Running cold is hard on the engine and fuel economy, and it will reduce the effectiveness of the heater and defrost systems. I'd run at least a 180F thermostat, and in cold weather country I'd consider a 190 or 195 F thermostat. A properly serviced distributor can really wake up and engine, and can contribute to cooler operation and better fuel economy and less tendency to flood after a hot shut down.