Engine temp at speed

[Frank Bruegger]

Well, I have an update for anyone interested.

I reviewed all the postings and made some changes.

1st, I checked the thermostat and for some reason it was a 195 deg piece with a very small flow opening. So I got a 160 deg high flow Mr. Gasket unit and installed it. I also changed the already new coolant and added a container of "wetter water" from Red Line Oil.

I also checked my timing by vacuum. I had it originally set at 21 in of vac. I retarded it to 19 in.

Since today was very similiar to the day last week when I overheated, I ran the same road the same way and didnt get past 195deg. On the same stretch of road last week I was well into the 205-210 range.

I think I solved my problem. It did puke a little water when I stopped and shut off the engine but I think it needs to find it's "happy place" level.

Thanks for all your opinions.

[Ben Dover]

195F Thermostat in a 4 Cyl Jeep in temperate zones is too hot. If you ever get the chance to buy a NOS original bellows type 160F range thermostat, do not hesitate to buy and install it. The normal coolant level with cold engine is just at the level of low point of the baffle at the front, you may have to jiggle the Jeep to see it. If your cooling system is up to snuff it will maintain that level year round without having to top it off.