Temperature Levels

[bloocrab]

Now, most thermostats open at 160. If I was running 180, that was hot. Good running temp is anything around 168 or below. 240 and you are cooking it....I hope you immediately shut down!

I removed the thermostat a looooong time ago...and never had her running below 160>> unless I was just idling.

When i got that hot, it would take a lot longer than 10 minutes to cool down.

About "immediately" shutting down, I found that when I immediately shut her down..it would take much much longer to cool and MUCH longer to restart the engine. If I kept her at a low idle (somewhere under 900 RPMs) she would cool down much much faster. Telling me that at lower RPMs everything was working ok.

It is a Cobra outdrive, but I'm not sure what "little hose" your speaking of. How would you normally clear out that hose? Or see that it was clogged? Does this hose lead to the intake on the bottom of the leg? All but the shell was replaced in the outdrive. Impeller Kit/Gears/Etc...I'd imagine that area was clear of debris.

As far as the risers getting hot, YEAH BABY!!...they sure would, and like you said...one would always get hotter than the other. The new hoses were also too hot for the touch after awhile. The hot water isn't getting out fast enough. Does this mean that it's not getting pumped in fast enough, OR...it's getting blocked on the way out??...lolol...I think the mechanic knows what he's doing... ...but no-one else would touch a 1974.

As far as the heads go, I don't know if they're compatible...but I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for the reply- and the offer -