Re: Where does your 53 Ford run?
I don't have a '53, but I do have a '51 that uses the same tpe of gauge system. I have 180 degree thermostats and on a hot day, mine runs at about 5/8's on the gauge. I do have a backup mechanical gauge, which registers right at 180 under these conditions. If I stop and turn it off for a bit, the mechanical gauge goes to 190 before it starts dropping back (heat soak). Those early Ford-a-matics are air-cooled aren't they? If it is, it shouldn't add any heat to the cooling system, so I think the gauge going to full hot when you're at a red light is a sign of something. I'd keep an eye on it as the radiator may need some attention down the road. One thing, notice where the needle sits with the ignition OFF. If it goes that high at a red light, you don't really know how hot it is getting because the gauge is at it's limit. If it doesn't get that high, you're probably all right (for a while).
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