Re: 401 operating temperature

Thanks again!

This car is a '74 and has no catalytic converter. I'm thankful for that! I am running dual 2 1/2" into turbo-style mufflers with 2 1/4" tailpipes. No headers as yet. I might try a set of the shorty headers maybe next year. I am running mid-grade gas. With the price of gas, I have not bought a tank of premium for it since last year. If I get to tow with it again, I'll run premium as long as it's under the increased load. I do not use regular gas.

I hope to change the thermostat this week and try it on the road again.

It is unnerving to be on the interstate miles from an exit watching the temp guage climbing slowly upwards. Cordova is over 300 miles one way for us and I don't want to worry about engine temperature then!

Thanks again!

Bill Dettman

----Original Message Follows----
From: farna@xxxxxxx
Reply-To: mail-From-javelinman-hotmail.com@xxxxxxxxxxxx
To: mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: 401 operating temperature
Date: Mon, 18 Jul 2005 08:22:32 -0400

8 degrees initial sounds about right. What fuel are you running -- regular? In that case DEFINITELY back down to 8 degrees. I'm pretty sure there is an adjustable vac advance for a Motorcraft distributor. Try the local parts stores -- not the chain stores, the one that supplies most of the local racers. They should know. Going back to a 190-195 thermostat will likely help too. And as Jim suggested -- if the catalytic converter is original it's probably toast. Luckily you can get big bore replacements from Summit and Jeg's for under $100. Check them for an adj. vac advance too. The two degrees less advance may work good without reducing vac advance though.

On July 15, 2005 Bill Dettman wrote:

Thanks all for your help!
My initial timing is now at 10-degrees. The vacuum pulls it another 15-degrees. I'm thinking of backing it off to about 8 and replacing the thermostat and reducing antifreeze concentration.
What makes me think about this is the fact that back in '74 when the car was new, they were built to be driven in all climates pulling trailers up to 5,000 lbs when properly equipped. I'm just trying to duplicate that and add my bolt-on stuff I mentioned before, which should not make that much difference.
I initially did have an air pocket when I first put the engine in the car, but I soon took care of that.
Does anyone make an adjustable vacuum advance for the Motorcraft distributor? I'd like to back off the vacuum some.
Thanks again!

=============================================================
Posted by wixList Archiver -- http://www.amxfiles.com/wixlist