My 389 seems to get hot at idle after cruising for awhile, sat in a Tim Hortons lineup today for 15-20 min and my aftermarket gauge went up to 240. It reads right by the thermostat so I knew it would be a bit hot but 240 seemed a little much. Hot light on dash never came on til I tried to start it again after letting it sit for 20 min off and it had trouble firing, usually starts right up? Gave it more time it it was back to normal. I put in a new 195 thermostat and still same problem. No problem when cruisin tho engine stays at 195-200. Anyone got any ideas? Thanks
I run a 180 stat in my small block and it doesn't ever go over 180. Big blocks run hotter so I would run a 180 or even a 165 stat to try and keep it cool. A 195 would be a winter stat to try and get it to warm up but I'm assuming you don't drive it in the winter.
A good fan and a shroud will help as well.
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72 Nova SS, 66 Beaumont Sport Deluxe, 09 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
Not familiar with 389's but for SBC's and 409's like Mike said, the right fan and shroud help and the 180 thermostat would be better.
Use 50/50 anti freeze and distilled water; fan blades should be half in half out of the shroud; you can "overdrive" your pulley to make the fan blades faster at idle; Changing timing can help too (don't ask me which way, just google that and you'll see what the options are). Some people use a product called water wetter or something like that.
How old and clean is your rad?
240 is right up there, I'd normally say check it with an IR gun to see if your gauge is correct, but if it wouldn't start, it sounds like it was hot.
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63 Parisienne sport coupe (The Big GTO), black, maroon interior, 409 4 speed; former owner of a 59 El Camino, 63 Corvette SWC, 62 Chev Bel Air SC. 1963- Pontiac top selling car in Canada
Mahone Bay, NS Still not old enough to need an automatic
incorrect shrouding pf the fanblade can be a real problem. As can a dirty radiator....
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cutting a roof off a four door is NOT a convertible.....
65 Parisienne convertible.one of 49 built for RHD export market,402BBC, T400, 2500 stally, posi rear, upgraded brakes with front discs, FUEL FAST efi custom built by me.
