Car runs hot, Temp gauge in center console nearly in the red Options

[Daiberl]

Hello,

I need some help, I finally fixed all my vacuum leaks, the car idles fine, have a Hot Spark installed, and timing seems to be OK. Today I drove the car a bit and after a while the temp gauge indicated that the car is running hot, the needle moved over the P of TEMP before I decided to stop and take a break. After 30 minutes I started the car again and drive immediately home, needle again indicated that the car is running to hot.

Before I fixed all vaccum leaks the car was running like ... but the temp stayed consistent in the middle, so I assume the gauge is fine.

What to check, the knob on the ECU is already all the way to rich.

- Juergen

[76-914]

Assume nothing! Check the oil temp with a known working instrument e.g. an IR thermometer aimed at the pan where the sending unit goes, your wife's cooking thermometer, anything. Just don't assume. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) with Curt on the timing. Also, recheck your valves. Better too loose than tight. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[aircooledtechguy]

Assume nothing! Check the oil temp with a known working instrument e.g. an IR thermometer aimed at the pan where the sending unit goes, your wife's cooking thermometer, anything. Just don't assume.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Am IR thermometer works wonders to find if the gauge is giving wrong readings. I recently had a similar problem with my shop car. Gauge was right near red on the freeway. Checked it with an IR thermometer and the taco plate read 212F; PERFECT!! In my case it was a case of using a 911 gauge with an incompatible 914 sender which worked on a different oHms scale.

If it was reading fine before, I would suspect a gauge/ground/sender issue, but without verification by something with a little newer technology, I wouldn't go tearing into stuff too deeply. Check the plugs going into/out of the relay board too.

[rwilner]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

I would suspect the gauge before anything else. To be sure: spend a few bucks on the mainley dipstick temp gauge and find out what temp you're really running.

Also: I think your 74 is running djet, correct? If so, I believe that ECU knob only effects the mixture at idle...and the ECU will only detect idle if the TPS is calibrated correctly. So, twisting that knob should have no effect on your running temperature I believe.