Possible gauge problem

[torpedo]

I have a 1964 Thunderbird, recently I flushed the rad, replaced the thermostat, timed the car, now when I start the car after several minutes the heat gauge/needle moves 3/4 of the way up. Can someone help. Its either a waterpump problem or possible fin obstruction or the timing is set to far advanced. If there are any other opinions I would greatly appreciate it.
Rad was replaced about 4-5 years ago, and I rarely drive it.

Thanks

[simplyconnected]

Is your heat riser valve stuck shut? Check it out. It's on your passenger side exhaust manifold, right at the end. - Dave

[torpedo]

Gauge

I will certainly do that. Thanks Dave

[Joe Johnston]

My thoughts.

1 - use an IR contact-less temp gun to see how hot the engine is actually getting. Aim it at the T-stat housing, now you have reference to the gauge and know the act temp not just 3/4 to H.

2 - Make sure coolant is at proper level. Drive the car several times at hwy speed over a week to stabilize the coolant level. Sometimes it takes several full heat cycles to work out any air pockets in the block.

3 - Retarded timing causes higher temps, not overly advanced. If the engine does not have spark knock under load, advance it till it does, then back off a bit till the spark knock disappears. Way too much advance will also cause the starter to kick back and crank hard, also an unwanted condition that is controllable by backing off the timing till it disappears. The specs are only an average starting point, and do not take into consideration your altitude, fuel octane/quality, engine condition and is not the optimum spec for any non computerized car to perform its best.

4 - Are you sure the T-stat is installed correctly?? wouldn't be the first one installed backwards.

5 - Re-flush the radiator and engine block. Your first flush may have dislodged crud that is now blocking something.

6 - Do you have a fan, original or aftermarket, and a fan shroud? Is the fan properly located in the shroud?

Good luck and post your findings!

[torpedo]

Thanks Joe, what a great forum.

[eastwildlife]

Might look at the temp sending unit as well. Mine read cold period. Turns out it was for an idiot light not a gauge.

[scumdog]

My thoughts.

1 - use an IR contact-less temp gun to see how hot the engine is actually getting. Aim it at the T-stat housing, now you have reference to the gauge and know the act temp not just 3/4 to H.

That's what I did - and found that when my guage was 2/3 towards H that it was only 180 degrees or so.

[torpedo]

Update: According to the mechanic, the problem was a faulty waterpump along with a slow leak around the gasket. Gauge was reading high after 5 mins. of run time.