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After having the radiator cleaned, new rebuilt water pump and a thermostat (160*), cleaned out the water jacket. I'm having a problem at idle with the motor at 240* at the rear of the block (Digital read). Coolant seems to be flowing good. Fan blowing air nicely.
Put in new points and wiring to the distributor. Set dwell. Can't find any mark on the balancer for the timing (Which I suspect could be the problem)
How can I find top dead center?
I'm surprised there is no mark or rivot on the balancer. This is a very low mile original 327 cu. in.
Any help much appreciated.
Thankfully,
Al

I suggest you clean the harmonic balancer and then look more closely, never seen one without timing marks though sometimes they're a bit faint or paint-filled.

Did you remove the water distribution tube and clean when the water pump and radiator were out? High temp at the rear of the block is a bit of a clue.

Thanks Owen.
I'll look good again. Hopefully, I can find it.

Yes, I took out the water distribution tube and cleaned it out with hose pressure. It's about 220* in the front.
I'll see if I can do a flow test off the upper radiator hose to make sure. However, I think it may be timing related.
Thankfully,
Al

Sure, retarded timing can cause overheating. Also have you checked for a restricted muffler or undersized exhaust or tail pipe? And sometimes overlooked is the proper sized (width) fan best - is it riding on the flanges and not touching the bottom of the pulley? When the radiator was cleaned, was the flow rate checked?

Dear ALM:

A while back there was a similar problem reported here and it had something to do with the heater.

Don't ask me why. Given all the work the only reason for such overheating would be low compression, cylinder head leakage, cracked head, vacuum leak, or a worn out cam. I don't think retarded timing would cause such an extreme.

I dealt with an overheater once which had a vacuum leak. It had been worked on by experts and only after I went back to the book and undid what the experts did it run cool. I thought it had a vacuum problem from the get go, but only after I found a suitable material for making gaskets did I undo what they did. However, all the new vacuum caused a huge smoking problem.

Al, I experienced a similar problem on my first road trip with my 49 Deluxe eight with the 288 engine. After doing everything I knew how to do including a day at the radiator shop, I was preparing to change the head gasket in the parking lot when a old timer came and asked what I was up to. After I explained my situation he asked me to start the engine and then asked for a screwdriver. He adjusted the timing by ear and I did not have any more problem with overheating. I hope your solution will be a quick fix.
Packardtaximan

Thanks for all the help fellas.
I cleaned off the balancer and after a closer inspection, there is no mark to be found. Nor a sign of anything ever being attached to it. (I saw a photo of the 41-46 with an attachment on the balancer) I'm assuming the 49 had a mark.
It seems to be a legitimate low milage car, without any modification.
I will check the vacuum for leakage.
Fan is moving air well. I'll keep trying; A flow meter will be my next step.
Wish I could determine tdc though.
Much Thanks!

Thanks for all the help fellas.
I cleaned off the balancer and after a closer inspection, there is no mark to be found. Nor a sign of anything ever being attached to it. (I saw a photo of the 41-46 with an attachment on the balancer) I'm assuming the 49 had a mark.
It seems to be a legitimate low milage car, without any modification.
I will check the vacuum for leakage.
Fan is moving air well. I'll keep trying; A flow meter will be my next step.
Wish I could determine tdc though.
Much Thanks!

ALM, Here is one way to locate TDC on #1 cylinder. Remove the front tappet cover and all the spark plugs (to make it easier to turn the engine), and turn the engine over until both valves for #1 cylinder are on the heels of their cam lobes with the exhaust valve about to be lifted. Then insert a depth gauge in the #1 cylinder spark plug hole and rotate the engine back and forth until the gauge indicates the piston has reached the top. You can then mark your damper with a mark for TDC. If your pointer is missing, one can be made with a heavy gauge wire and fastened under one of the timing chain cover cap screws. This will give you a good reference for setting the ignition timing. Good luck.

(o{}o)