Re: 401 operating temperature

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

On Fri, 15 Jul 2005, Bill Dettman wrote:

> Can anyone tell me about how to keep a 401 running cool. Here's my issue:

If it's not a cooling system problem (collapsing hose, spun water
pump impeller, etc), it could well be not enough spark advance.

Put a timing light on the car, and:

1. Suck on the hose to the distributor vacuum advance; timing
should advance 15 - 20 degrees.

2. With the hose pulled off, rev the engine up to 2500 - 3000 rpm.
Spark timing should advance about 15 - 20 degrees.

If one of these doesn't happen you have a screwed up distributor.

Retarded spark will kill power, and cause overheating and burn
exhaust valves. I ruined a good engine this way, its easy to check
for and eliminate.