The 324 in my 56 seems like it's running too cool. I can fire it up, and let it idle in the driveway for 20 minutes or even drive it around town, and the rad is still not hot to the touch, the thermostatically controlled choke is only halfway open, and the temperature gauge only reads about 140 degrees.

The PO told me he put in a 160 degree thermostat. I'm sure the factory used a 180 probably, but it'a not even getting over 140, so I don't know if that is a factor or not.

What do you think?

 

I would get rid of the 160 thermostat and put the stock style back in. If it is cold where you live, it is possible that it wont reach operating temp with that thermostat, you heat probably isnt that good either.

 

Many T-stats begin to open long before the fully-open rated temp. All T-stats will have different characteristics, too.
I put a 180* stat in my '86 and it will only run at 170*...
Try a 180* and you should run warmer.

 

Thanks guys. Yeah, it's pretty cold here right now. And the heater isn't hooked up. I think the core is bypassed.

I'll throw in a 180 degree thermostat. Thanks!

 

Sounds like the thermostat is stuck open or it doesn't have one to me.

Must update with results and at least a hundred pics of the radiator and thermostat..

 

...as well as the rubber radiator insulators and seals...

 

Thermostat has only one simple function: Maintain the coolant temp at a specified temperature, by modulating (not turning on and off) coolant flow.

In theory, a system with a 120° stat, should operate at 120° and one with a 250° stat should operate at 250°. In practice, a properly designed system, that is in good repair, will follow that theory.

If, during warm up, the stat does not open, coolant flow will be inadequate and overheating will result. If, during cool down, the stat did not close, coolant flow would be excessive and the system would not reach the desired operating temp.

Having said that: '56 Olds had a well designed cooling system.

What ambient temps? What does it do at sustained highway speeds?

Take it out (if there is one) put it in a pan of "lukewarm" water with suitable thermometer and add heat. If it starts to open before 160° and is fully open just after 160° the system should run at about 160°.

I think you will find that it does not open.

Norm