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I just finished rebuilding the original engine. I'd had an Autozone engine in the Bronco for twenty years. Anyways. It's been a year since the Autozone engine died. What is the average operating temperature? Mine has a 180 degree thermostat but it's running like 190 to 210. The radiator is from 2012 has a lifetime warranty I'm wishing I'd replaced that before assembling it all together. Anyways I'm pretty sure the Autozone engine would run hot while off roading which means driving slow basically. I'm in AZ and it's about to get super hot. So I'm just wondering if that range is normal or I should warranty out the radiator. And refill it again. LOL. Yes there is a mechanical gauge on it as well as the original Ford "NORMAL" electric gauge.
My concern is that I have an 81 Z28 with a 327 in it and that engine never changes temperature. I have an electric fan on it that only turns on at like stop lights or drive thrus. I have a manual switch on it. As long as the car is moving no fan on and temp is solid at 180. The fact that the Bronco temp fluctuates while I'm driving it with a constant flex fan is what is concerning.
190-210 isn't too concerning, especially if you have the proper radiator cap. Once things start to climb over 220 I'll keep a much closer eye on it. Bad things start to happen 240-250 range of you can't get the temp back down.
Do you have the correct thermostat for the 335 series engine? Should look something like the image below. They're spendy, but if you use the incorrect t-stat the cooling bypass doesn't work correctly. I would stick with a 180 given your climate, 160 can be too low in some cases.
What did you use for a water pump?
When was the last time and how did you tune it? Vacuum gauge, AFR, timing light and tach or "by ear"?
Lean conditions increase heat. Incorrect timing can make things run hotter too.
Thank you for replying. No I do not have that special thermostat with the hat on it for the bypass valve. I wondered what that hole looking thing was below the thermostat. I'll order one of those.
