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richd · 10-04-2001, 10:32 AM

I don't feel anything like shaking. But I do hear a sporadic ticking sound which increases in intensity at larger throttle openings. Do you think I should try advancing it a little and observing the differences?

I turned the distributor probably a total of 2 to 3 degrees. It's hard to tell because it was tight (even when the retaining wedge could be moved freely) and I would initially turn it too far. I really need one of those piston stops so I can get some timing marks.

Anyway, I did a little testing last night. Not much, because it was late. With the engine cool and the car parked on an incline facing up, I took off the radiator cap and started the engine. The radiator level was about 1-2 inches below top. After a few minutes of idling it slowly rose until it started spilling out of the neck. It wasn't hot, the return hose (top) was only slightly warm.

Earlier I had gone for a ride, and when the temp guage went above the middle marker (200*F mark?) I pulled over and felt the radiator and return hose. Return hose was hot and the top of the radiator was cool. I remember on other cars the radiator being hot everywhere (except maybe at the bottom).

I'm thinking of getting a new rad cap, thermostat and flushing the radiator with muriatic(sp?) acid. I have no idea when the prev owner last did maintenance on the cooling system, so maybe some things just aren't up to snuff anymore.

Thanks for the reply!

Rich D.

10-04-2001, 10:32 AM	#3
richd Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Edison, NJ, USA Posts: 125	I don't feel anything like shaking. But I do hear a sporadic ticking sound which increases in intensity at larger throttle openings. Do you think I should try advancing it a little and observing the differences? I turned the distributor probably a total of 2 to 3 degrees. It's hard to tell because it was tight (even when the retaining wedge could be moved freely) and I would initially turn it too far. I really need one of those piston stops so I can get some timing marks. Anyway, I did a little testing last night. Not much, because it was late. With the engine cool and the car parked on an incline facing up, I took off the radiator cap and started the engine. The radiator level was about 1-2 inches below top. After a few minutes of idling it slowly rose until it started spilling out of the neck. It wasn't hot, the return hose (top) was only slightly warm. Earlier I had gone for a ride, and when the temp guage went above the middle marker (200*F mark?) I pulled over and felt the radiator and return hose. Return hose was hot and the top of the radiator was cool. I remember on other cars the radiator being hot everywhere (except maybe at the bottom). I'm thinking of getting a new rad cap, thermostat and flushing the radiator with muriatic(sp?) acid. I have no idea when the prev owner last did maintenance on the cooling system, so maybe some things just aren't up to snuff anymore. Thanks for the reply! Rich D.