The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Running hot, what's too hot?

Thanks all for the advise. I really appreciate all the help and interesting discussions.

So here's the update: problem is solved. I'm running at 180 all day now.

Short story: it was indeed timing related. Cold adjusted the valves (adding 0.005 to hot spec) and then re-adjusting timing for max vacuum fixed it. Idles nicely at 500 RPM. No dieseling at shut down. Tons of power.

Long answer: replaced thermostat thinking that was the problem. Turns out the one I had in there was a new from NAPA, same as the replacement. (I couldn't remember if I put a new one in there or not). Problem persists. Pinched the heater hose loop thinking maybe the loop wasn't giving enough resistance to flow as heater core, thus creating a bypass preventing circulation thru engine. Problem persists. Put project aside for a week. Problem still persists. Did "research" online and found method of adjusting valves cold by adding 0.005" to hot specification. Readjusted all valves. All needed adjustment as they all were too tight. Restarted engine and it can barely run so I check vacuum and I'm only seeing 10 inches. I check timing with timing light and I can't even find BB rotating distributor either way. Where did the BB go? Pulled the plugs, turned motor until I was at TDC with BB on pointer and #1 valves both closed. Then loosened clamp on distributor and rotated distributor to point where points are just opening and rotor points to #1. Tightened clamp and set "octane" gauge at 0 position. Put plugs back in and restarted. Bingo. Runs like it never has. I could tell immediately it sounded right. Vacuum is now 20" at idle, and steady. Tried various "octane" positions and found engine seem to sound/run best when BB was south of pointer, but still in view. Couldn't get past 20" at steady idle, but from what I've read, it should be in the 17-21 range. Problem solved!

I think my water pump is leaking a little bit as I'll see a silver dollar -sized puddle in the morning. So I ordered at replacement from RockAuto. Incidentally, I called the Filling Station since they're not too far from me to order a '54 water pump. They didn't have any in stock and said their supplier's factory burned down; best guess was 1 year wait! I could send mine in for rebuild for a 3 week wait. RockAuto seems to have one; we'll see if it ships.

Thanks again for the help.

Case closed as far as I'm concerned.