won't run cool

[TMat]

I have a 69 camaro with a 496 big block:

hydraulic roller
aluminum heads
10:1 compression
160 thermostat
177 on/ 165 off fan switch
dual 11" spal fans
desert cooler radiator from US radiator
B&M oil cooler
Edelbrock water pump

Yesterday on a cool 60 degree day, the engine was idling at 195 degrees. I am at a loss, that seems kind of high under the weather conditions and with the setup I have.

Am I paranoid or could there be something wrong?



Thanks for any info

[GBodyGMachine]

I would say thats normal. My car runs 195 degrees in cold, or hot weather.
Jeff

[rsk68]

I would change to a 180 thermostat, with a 160 its going to be open all the time, you need to give the coolant a chance to cool down in the radiator, I would also run a thermostat with bypass holes drilled in, you can order one from stuart water pumps, I run this setup with a 165 off 185 on.

[Vegas69]

Similar combo with 180 stat. 489 with 600/600 Mine will heat up to 190 or so in the garage and around town stop light to stop light. I have a 195 on 175 off.Out of the freeway or highway it is at 180 max and it will drop all the way to 150. I replaced two gallons of the coolant mix with distilled water and water wetter for hot days. Seems to have knocked off 5-10 degrees in the garage.

[chicane67]

There is nothing wrong with 195*... that is well within acceptable.

You did not however, state if you were running a dual fan unit that has a built in radiator shroud or not. Are the two fans just stuck on the radiator without ?? Another thing to check... are the hood seals. If they are in poor shape and/or are missing... I would replace them.

I too will also recommend a 180* thermostat... there is no reason not to run anything but a 180*.

[Vegas69]

I agree with Chicane....195 is really comfy for the motor internally.

[TMat]

There is nothing wrong with 195*... that is well within acceptable.

You did not however, state if you were running a dual fan unit that has a built in radiator shroud or not. Are the two fans just stuck on the radiator without ?? Another thing to check... are the hood seals. If they are in poor shape and/or are missing... I would replace them.

I too will also recommend a 180* thermostat... there is no reason not to run anything but a 180*.

The fans have the integral fan shroud, but I don't know if the temp will stay at 195 in the summer. That's my main concern.

When you say hood seals are you talking about the cowl to hood seal?

With a 180 thermostat what fan switch are you running?

[Josh]

Is the shroud pulling from the entire surface of the radiator or just the diameter of the fans? No use to having a big radiator if your cooling just two 12" circles. Also, I agree with the above in that the motor wants and should run 190ish at all times.

[TMat]

Is the shroud pulling from the entire surface of the radiator or just the diameter of the fans? No use to having a big radiator if your cooling just two 12" circles. Also, I agree with the above in that the motor wants and should run 190ish at all times.

the shroud is actually a little bigger than the radiator core and sits away from the core. I am planning on fabbing up a sheet metal shroud to seal it completely to the core.

[Josh]

Yes, sealing is very important!

[Charley Lillard]

Just tape up those gaps with cardboard and duct tape to see how much it helps. You never mentioned what your ignition timing was at.