Chris,
Try operating the car without the thermostat fitted. If the problem
persists, and remember that most 1950s cars tended to run at high
temperatures when the ambient temperature is high, try flushing out the
radiator core. Select one of the core cleaners which says it removes scale.
An old timers cure for scale in the block and radiator core was to refill it
with a mixture of kerosene and water and run it for a while.
One other thing to check is that the ignition timing is not too far advanced
or retarded and that the fuel mixture setting is not too lean.
If the water has oil in it and/or the engine oil has a creamy look (water
does this) then suspect a blown head gasket.
Don't forget to refit a thermostat once all the tests have been completed.
Regards,>
Graham McCann Rivett, ACT. Australia
gmccann@pcug.org.au
06 2889055
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