I run a solid 180 . all the time .. This is because I run a 4 core rad with a 180 t-stat . 

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1980 , ZZ430 , 3.92 rear , 700R4 2400 stall NEW EZ EFI 

I went with an aluminum radiator a couple of years ago and never see the temp. go any higher than 180. I always put the hood up when I first park it so as to protect the paint on the hood from engine heat. I agree that it must help with restarts, too. Kevin

Steve the issue is not water or engine oil temps too high but the buildup of heat under the hood once stopped. Since my '81 still has all parts as came off the assembly I have an engine compartment full and very little open space for heat to get out so the radiant heat buildup is what is kicking me......so for now after getting hot and stopping, when can pop the hood and let the heat escape.....until a better idea comes along.

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Tommy

I know guys that used to drive around all day with the hoods unlatched on Shark cars....and that was back when they were still kinda NEW! All due to the heat.
I always pop the hood release on mine if I am parked for more than a few minutes, and it stays unlatched all the time while in the garage.
You think yours get hot under there? Try working on a big block!!!


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Make sure that all of the foam seals around and above the radiator are intact and in place and if it still has a fan clutch, ensure that it is functional.

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1973 L-82 4 spd

Oh, now I get it!!  Its an in-bread cat!!!

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(click to see a larger image)

I am somewhat reluctant to go along with what appears to be the accepted idea that heat has built up causing a hard start after a shut down. I AM not saying this is not possible but a few things make me want to say something else is happening here.

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1980 , ZZ430 , 3.92 rear , 700R4 2400 stall NEW EZ EFI 

I experienced hard starting after a hot shut down on several old cars back in the 70's.  When I say hard starting, I mean slow cranking like the battery is nearly dead, or timing is over-advanced.  I would have to wait awhile for things to cool down, then it would start up fine.  I think the starter motor got over heated.  That's why GM installed shields around the starter motor.

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1973 BB 4-Speed Coupe Project Car

I have heat issues as well. Not when normal driving then i run 180-190 but on race days when i push her im always around 220 obviously worse through out the day. My solution is going to be to ditch the old mechanical fan and install an electric pull type fan. On race days though I also open the hood after every run and use a pump type pestiside spreader full of water to mist my engine compartment, I also run with my headlights up to allow more airflow to the radiator. Our C3s will always have heat issues due to poor design for cooling. There is something like 3 foot of fiberglass nose and the like in front of the radiator not to mention the headlights hanging right in the way of airflow

Since the Shark is a bottom breather, the headlites really don't impede the airflow that much.  Overheating can be caused by a radiator that needs rodding out, missing foam seals, missing fan shroud, bad fan clutch, bad t-stat, collapsed hoses, not using a 50/50 coolant mix, and air trapped in the engine.

Hard hot starts can be caused by timing which can be worked around by putting a switch in the coil supply (non-HEI) and spinning the motor and then turn on the coil.


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1973 L-82 4 spd