Berserker78

Having just brought my 78 down to CA, I am wondering what I need to change to make it run at the higher temperatures.

I switched to 10-30 oil, but I am not sure what else to do.

I have been told to add some of that "water-wetter" stuff to my coolant and to get a 165 thermostat. Do I need those? Should I do something else? I am shooting in the dark here.

It has started backfiring when I start it for the first time on any particular day. Is this an indication of another problem?

R. Bruno

In hotter weather, I believe you could run at least 10/40 or even 20/50 oil. If it is not overheating now, I wouldn't change anything. If it is, check the seals around the radiator and the radiator itself. I have had no luck with the water wetter personally. Where is Santa Clarita?

Berserker78

Santa Clarita is just North of LA, about 20 minutes north of Burbank. Basically the same as Valencia and Newhall.

I came through Utah and Nevada on the way here, with the weather above 110 without overheating.

Should I adjust my carb or anything like that?

77Dream

I run 10w40 with a 165 t-stat in 90+ heat in traffic with no probs. And I sometimes drive through 100+ heat with no probs. As long as there are no problems with the cooling system (leaks, clogs, poor water pump, bad air flow over rad.) then you should be fine. The average running temp might go up a little but thats no big deal. I also have a DeWitts aluminum radiator and dual spal fans, but my original setup worked just fine.

Shark Racer

I'm running 10-30 synthetic and have never broken 205*. And that's with a CRAPPY radiator.

One of these days I'll switch to a nice aluminum.

-Steve