My car is running hot. It get to around 210 - 215 after running for about 15 minutes in stop and go.

I have the timing set to 12 BTDC. I've tried messing with the air fuel screws thinking I was running too lean., I've bought a brand new water pump, i've ran with a thermostat..without a thermostat, i've put in a new distributor and coil. I'm at a loss.

I have an electric fan but the car heats up too fast for any fan to do any good. I just don't know what to do now.

Where should my timing be set? Is 12 btdc right? My cam is a 228 degree @ 3000-6000 RPM .454/.480

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Tommy

Cats...the reason God created water.

75 Camaro
78 Camaro
80 Camaro
81 Trans-Am
87 Iroc-Z28

total timing WITHOUT vacuum advance should be about 36' @ 3000 rpms or so

ADD an adjustable vacuum advance and set it to add about 8-10' and if it pings any, use less vacuum advance, if no ping add some vaxuum advance for best economy.

Initial timing of 8-12 is OK depending on throttle response and starting issues.

Throttle response at 8 - 12 sucks, I was running 13 with great response but figured it was too far advanced and that was causing it to run hot.

Does a "pusher" electric fan need a shroud?

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Tommy

Cats...the reason God created water.

75 Camaro
78 Camaro
80 Camaro
81 Trans-Am
87 Iroc-Z28

[This message has been edited by Specimen (edited July 26, 2005).]

210 degrees ian't very hot for a motor in traffic. Our 454 Suburban runs 230+ all the time. I would get a puller fan with a shroud. Do you run antifreeze?

Yeah, I run an electric puller can...with no shroud yet. Funny thing is that after I turn it off it doesn't over heat and doesn't make any noises. Maybe my gauge is busted? Also, i noticed it cools off like 20 degrees instantly when I shut it off and then restart it after letting it sit for like 5 minutes while in a store then jumps back up 20 degrees after a few moments.

[This message has been edited by Specimen (edited July 26, 2005).]

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by Specimen:
figured it was too far advanced and that was causing it to run hot.</font>

Tommy,
Having the timing too retarded will make it run hot, as will having the carb too lean.

Problem with getting the initial timing set is you have to exclude any mechanical or vac advance from the picture. To do this you must plug the vac line to the canister and set your idle down below 700 or so to make sure the weights are not swinging any, then set your initial at 10-12 BTDC. Hook the vac back up and set idle speed back and take it for a drive and see how it likes part throttle accel., if it pings work on switching the springs and weights to get a curve that doesn't promote detonation. Adjustable vac cans may help too. make sure your weights and springs are snapping back and aren't getting hung up.
just a few thoughts,

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John Wright
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Ok, now go change all your passwords :)

Thanks for the tips John. I was timing it with the canister connected to the carb.

This helps a ton!!