Rich,
One idea is to double-check the ignition timing, because if it
is too far advanced, it may cause the engine to run hotter. This is
a long shot though, for if it was very far off you'd problably hear
the engine pinging.
There may be some internal corrosion causing restriction of water
flowing through the head and block. The only way you could know would
be to tear the engine down, which is not really worth it if it runs
O.K. now. If you or the the D.P.O. ever neglected to change/flush the
cooling system every couple of years this becomes a very likely poss-
ibility (especially if the coolant ever appeared rust colored at change
time).
A relatively simple solution to your problem would be to just switch
to a cooler (by 20 degrees or better) thermostat. This would allow the
coolant to circulate int the radiator more often. Most guages are des-
igned so that 1/2, or a vertical needle indicates normal operating par-
ameters, so use this when determining the ideal thermostat temp.
JOE IV
TR 250
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