Thanks for all the tips - great advice for a novice like me. I did decide to just go ahead and replace the thermostat. I took it off last night (what a chore to get the right-hand bolt out - couldn't hardly get a wrency in there). When I took the old one out, it was wide open. I'm going to replace it anyway, but isn't it defective. Shouldn't it be closed until it heats up? It's also a 160. Autozone says a 195 should be in my HP 302? Not sure what the difference is unless the stronger engines are not supposed to open up until they reach a hotter temperature. Guess I also didn't realize some coolant remains in the block when you drain the radiator. Found out when it came running out when I pulled the water neck off (what a mess on my garage floor - learn something new every day). P.S. nope I haven't had the heads off and it's never ran hot. But it hasn't been on the road in 7 years. The rebuilt engine (1994) has less than 50 miles on it. Father in-law bought it in 94, had motor rebuilt, gave it to a friend who stripped it down, promised to restore it, never did, and took close to $5,000 of father-in-law's money. He died 2 years ago, I inherited it, took it back from so-called friend, and have been trying to restore it back to only a daily driver ever since. Aside from the engine which appears to be in great shape and no leaks or signs of any dried out seals, had to replace most everything else, i.e., gas tank, radiator, batter, alternator, fuel lines, exhaust, manifolds, all power steering components, etc.,etc.,etc. It was probably worth more dead than alive when I got it. The good part is it had virtually no rust anywhere and the original floor pans were in great shape. But I'll have double the $ it'll be worth when I'm done. Due to sentimental value and my quest to restore it, I couldn't dare part with it. Sorry for the long reply.
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