What is a normal engine temp for Bugeye?

[ichthos]

When I started up my Bugeye last night for the first time, I noticed the radiator seemed kind of hot. What is a normal temp gauge reading while the engine is idling?
Thanks, Kevin

 

[mightymidget]

Too hot to lay your hand on the radiator !!!


If you have a gauge I would assume anything under 195 deg for extended idle

 

[ichthos]

That make me feel better. Hot to the touch last night. Is overheating on these cars a problem?
Kevin

 

[drooartz]

Is overheating on these cars a problem?

Sorta depends on your circumstances. At sea level, in the flats, on a cool day, you'll have no problem at all with a properly functioning system.

I'm running a stock (recored) radiator, a built up 1275, and the 1275 plastic fan. I'm in the Utah mountains. Around town no problem. Start pulling up a long steep slope at altitude and I'll start to warm up -- to the point where it would eventually overheat if I kept it up. I'm a somewhat extreme example, though.

I'll eventually add a 3-row radiator and electric fan, but it's not really a must-have necessity right away for me.

 

[mightymidget]

Some cars seem to have more problems than others, but from what I can gather overheating becomes a problem in traffic or under extended torque loads,

If it overheats under idle you "may" have bad Head gasket, air bubble in head, cloged radiator, stuck themostate, collasped hose, slipping belt, no or unsufficent water, incorrect fan to radiator clearence,or incorrect water temp. gauge. Most likely none of the above apply to you

 

[MiamiSprite]

Does an oil cooler help?

 

[jlaird]

A bugeye should run at 185 if you have a 185 thermostat.

It will get warmer on a long hard pull but not at idle.

In the winter it will like a peice of cardboard on part of the radiator to stay warm.