My '69 Fbird runs at 180 and above. It has even come close to 240 on a hot day in traffic. Does anyone have any suggestions to fix this. I've considered a low temp thermostat, but I'm not sure if that'll fix it on hot days. The top of the radiator has been enclosed to keep the airflow going to the radiator. Maybe their is a radiator out their that works better than the stock one.

Try a higher temp thermostat. I run a 195. It keeps the water in the radiator longer, allowing it to throw off more heat.

There are also lower filler pieces in front of the core support for enclosing the air flow.

I put a 16in puller fan on mine and that did the trick.

240 is pretty hot! There's lots of tricks to try to get the car to stay cooler! Some cheap....some more expensive! Try the simple....CHEAP stuff first, then throw money at it!

First of all, I'd recommend you put a 190-195 t-stat in it. Test it first in a pot on the stove and a thermometer to make sure it functions correctly! (they do come defective sometimes!) If that doesn't make much difference, pull the water pump and divider plate off the timing cover and measure the gap between the impellar and the divider plate....the closer they are the more efficient the impellar will be. (you can adjust with a hammer)

Next as mentioned there is a lower air baffle between the valence and the core support that helps channel the air comming into the front of the car. Bjorn will probably pipe in about the masticated fillers that seal the sides of the core support, but mine are not in place and the car cools fine. I do have the upper X panels and lower air baffle in, though.

Another thing to check could be your fan clutch. I've switched to dual electric fans so someone else will be more help at checking the fan clutch.

Hope that helps!

Drew

Thanks for all the input. Your help is greatly appreciated. I'll let you know what works.

The impellers should be within 1/8" of that divider plate for max flow.

- Jake

I actually adjusted mine to within 1/16th of an inch with the gasket.

Is it only when traffic is stop and go or is it mostly idle?

First, make sure your air/fuel mixture is adjusted properly for all conditions. At idle you can use a vacuum gage (to manifold) and adjust till you reach the highest vacuum level. If the gage is not steady you have other problems. To rich or too lean can cause an engine to run hot.

Second, verify your timing is set properly. Retarded timing can cause an engine to run hot.

If all else looks okay, try running your advance to full manifold instead of ported. You'll probably need to adjust the air/fuel mixture again (it will be rich). It should run cooler in theory. Just make sure it doesn't ping and you're happy with the driveability.