Well the verdict is in! It seems as though everyone was a little right but Mr Proffit said it best. It seeems to be a bit of everything. The biggest part was the mechanic installed the gasket backwards! We found this out after I had the radiator checked. It was fine, good flow. The water pump was checked and was fine. After doing everything to remove the elusive air pocket I insisted, with some argument, that we pull the head.
There it was. We installed the new gasket and reassembled all and when we refired the engine, would you believe it overheated again! I think we cured it though with timing and by removing air. I used Jims suggestion on air pocket removal and yesterday afternoon the engine ran for about 45 minutes at a fast idle and never it went over 170 degrees.
It seems as though we are still having a little problem with the timing. I will try to explain so it sounds as though I know what I am talking about. The mech says even though the engine runs great, good throttle responce, and good temp, the timing light says the we are around 13 degrees too advanced and he can't retard it any further. His question is if there is a difference between the flywheel on a 46(original trans, bell housing etc) and a 54, which is what the motor is. He seems to think the timing might be correct but the flywheel marks may not be right for the engine. Is the ditributor in right(my question)?
Hope this makes sense, remember, I am still just a glorified wrench fetcher, but after this experience am gaining knowlege every day.
Thanks again very much to all for your help. The Stovebolt Page and all you people are the greatest!!
