Lee Smith

Can timing being off, befor/after, cause a engine to heat?

Background.

I just got my first Corvette. A 77, not the original engine & no history.
The speedo needs to read 90 to keep up with traffic doing 70.
The tack isn't working. I hope to get to it today.
With the speedo, up to 70, the temp is 180, at 90 - 210. .
The temp goes to 180 & stops rising at slower speeds, so the thermostat is working right.
5 to 10 miles at 90 the temp is 210 & does not get any higher.
Getting off the interstate, on the 55 roads, the temp drops to 180 in about 5 miles.
The car pissed when I did, at a rest stop, without the 5 miles on 55 roads.
It may have been over full. It is at the right level now.
It does not get hot on short runs to 120. Tests runs. :-)

I checked the timing yesterday. It was about TDC, or later. It is now 10 before. ??

I haven't had the car on the interstate since the timing change.

There is a new looking 1 core radiator in the car. Is it big enough, or do I need a 3 core?

Any thoughts on the above will be appreciated.

Lee Smith

wombvette

Low timing will cause high heat. Check, Vac. Advance, and centrfical advance for proper operation. 10 deg. inital is plenty.

LAvetteman

1 core should be plenty for your engine. I am thinking fan clutch could possibly be your problem.

gmcclurg

My 77 runs at 195 around town but will go to 200 at highway speeds. I am using a 50/50 Prestone mix. I don't think 210 is too high.

Lee Smith

Thanks all.
The new alu 1 cores look very thin when I am use to the 3-4 core copper.

I will find out if I get a 5-10 mile drive in this week.



[Modified by Lee Smith, 10:59 AM 10/14/2003]

FeedVaal

:iagree:
Fan should sound like a hurricane when engaged. Also make sure your spoiler is in place- makes a big difference for some folks.