UPDATE:
Replaced the plugs after first start up. (old variety of plugs). Got the AC Delco R45s. Anyway, the old plugs were DRY-FOULED!!! Covered in dry, black carbon. That baby is running RICH!!! Also not reaching 180 degrees. So the order of the day is:
1. pull carb, check float, check everything, hopefully find "smoking gun" (like a hole in the float!) that's causing too much fuel.
2. Drain coolant enough to check thermostat, replace with 180 stat if necessary.
3. Fire up again, double check timing and valve lash after warm-up.
4. Check for any vacuum or exhaust leaks.
5. Do everything else to get truck back on road!
Hope my enthusiasm is contagious!!!
-Michael
