what thermostat are you using?

I have a 160 degree stat in my 200ci now. It has a big new 3 core radiator in there and the temperature gauge barely moves above the minimum reading point. I am in TX, so that should change soon, but my problem now is that I need to run with the choke partially on all the time or it sputters. I am wondering if this could be due to the fact that the engine really isn't warm enough? Any thoughts?

I plan to play with my main jet to see if it might just be running too lean, and put a fuel pressure gauge inline to see if I might be inadvertently starving it.

Should be @ 180 to get all warmed up nicely - i know as being from texas for 40 years ive done all that uve done = experience -180F If its getting a hot temp on ya =look into a cooling problem=ie: radiator fan shroud, or/?

Good idea. Part of my problem is that the guy who installed the new rad left the original (non-clutch) fan on, so it is always pushing air through the rad. I ordered a electric fan to take care of that.

Hmmm, will check. Thanks for the heads up.

The autoparts stores in my area dont carry the 160 degree thermostat's anymore.

I have a 170 in my 64 and I just put in a 195 thermo in. Suffice to say it warms up really fast. I have the little block under the carb that the heating hoses connect to as well. I've only been running it for one day, so I can't really say how well it's working. Tomorrow I'm ordering a champion 3 core alluminum radiator with a 16" puller behind it rated at 2500 cfm. I don't know much about cooling system other than the components haha. Do I need to bring my thermo down to 180? or with that radiator and fan will it work out?


P.S. I'm in Vegas and it get mucho hot here in the summer

Oreilly Auto Parts is stocking the 160 degree thermostats in my area now. I run 195 in the winter & a 160 degree in the summer. I would try a 160 & see how it does. If it doesn't help then you might want to consider a fan with more blades or a electric fan. I think that a lot of the guys here are running the electric fans.

My temp guage acted just like yours for quite a while, until I changed the temp sending unit and then it read properly. As far as the stalling, could be carberation. Even on a cold start mine only needs the choke on for a couple of minutes and then it will run fine...So Im thinking you have two unrelated issues. Im running a 180 in my epup, new radiator, thermostat.. Runs good, temp is good, heater works good.

from experience = 170 on low side & usually 180 always . if too low a temp rating just stays open always .