Drakeule Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 All: What would anybody consider a decent operating temperature for the 40's Buicks? My 40 Super sits around 180 while cruising, but at idle will climb to about 200 or more. This is to be expected, as little fan action while sitting. Just looking for input here. P.S. what could the 7LB pressure radiator cap add to the boiling point; 15-20 degrees? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmTee Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 According to the internet: The boiling point goes up 3° F for every pound of pressure (psi). A 15-psi radiator cap will raise the boiling point by 45° F. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben Bruce aka First Born Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 180 is normal for the time. I like 190 or so. If the idle temp holds, I would not worry. Anti-freeze raises the boiling point as well. Ben 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 (edited) 5 hours ago, Ben Bruce aka First Born said: 180 is normal for the time. I like 190 or so. Ben Bruce is correct. Older engines run better and are more efficiently when they are hot. Edited May 23, 2022 by Mark Shaw (see edit history) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenneth Carr Posted May 23, 2022 Share Posted May 23, 2022 My 1941 Buick also holds steady at 180 deg., right in the center of the gauge. I don’t do parades, though. Then it begins to climb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted May 26, 2022 Share Posted May 26, 2022 I don't do parades either. They cause overheating and are also tough on clutches as well as the left knee of the driver. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank DuVal Posted May 29, 2022 Share Posted May 29, 2022 Automatics were made for parades! Sort of limits the age of antiques, though.... Ha!🤣 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimy Posted May 29, 2022 Share Posted May 29, 2022 1 hour ago, Frank DuVal said: Automatics were made for parades! Sort of limits the age of antiques, though.... Ha!🤣 Freewheeling, if you have it, is helpful on the knee. And overdrive trannies, with OD engaged, as in my 1948 Jeepster will freewheel and stay in direct drive below their threshold speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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