I am restoring a 1941 GMC 3/4 Ton pickup that "supposedly" had an engine rebuild before I bought it.
The Head Casting number is for a 228 cu in and the Block Casting number is for a 248 cu in.
I probably have 100 miles on the engine and am wondering what is the NORMAL indicated operating temperature as indicated by the dash gauge?
Mine will reach close to 212 degrees F after about 15 miles in 80 degree outside temp. The Radiator Cap is Champion Cooling 0.9 which is 212 degrees.
The temperature gauge is a capillary type that has the bulb installed in an adapter fitting in the head at the left back corner (close to the exhaust manifold) and the bulb is probably held out of good water flow. I do not know the rating of the thermostat as it was installed when I got it; but that rating should not influence the maximum operating temperature.
It does not appear as if the radiator cap has ever allowed fluid to pass to the overflow reservoir and the engine does not "seem" hot after shutdown.
Any comments on:
1. Head vs Block Castings
2. Temperature issue
Thanks