1600 how hot/ how fast?

[bmccarthy67]

I have a 67 1600 that seems to run hot. The temp gauge stays around 180/ I put a new thermostat in & flushed and filled system. I burped the thermo at the tower and topped off with more water/water wetter/ anti. The car seems to run fine, but the engine seems to get really hot. I don't know if my engine is the correct year, but there is no vent hose on the valve cover...there isn't even a spot for one...the engine smoke/steam? vents from holes on the underside of the oil cap. I took the tower cap off to see if I could notice the fluid flowing..it didn't seem like it was..I don't know if it should look obvious..there was movement, but it seemed like it was from the engine vibrations not a flowing motion. Does the 1600 really get that hot? I want to take the car to RA, but I actually fear taking it on such a long drive in the hot south. Is there anything I can check? Thanks in advance. Buddy

[S Allen]

Buddy,

180 is not hot. They can run around 190 with no problems. Just warm the car up and check the water temp with a meat thermometer to make sure the gauge is reading true. There should be slight fluid motion with the fill cap removed and the engine running at temp. The system normally runs with a bit of pressure so it will not be gushing past. Also pull the plugs to make sure you are not running too lean. You can run hot an even burn a hole in a piston running too lean. It sounds like you have a valve cover from an early 1500 on your engine. They had no vent on them. I say once you have checked things out go for the RA trip but it might be nice to travel with several other roadster owners just in case.

Steve