new radiator burping and timing

[1guydude]

K so I got a new radiator in today. Do I just start the motor with the cap off the radiator. Let it run till hot and turn it off? fill up and continue to do this until the level inside the radiator stays the same?! Thanks

also can someone run me through the timing process? I got the light but need to watch some videos and do some reading. I want this thing timed so that can be eliminated from it running to hot. Hoping these two will keep my motor cooler.
thanks all
-devin

[71Fe2O3]

Fill the radiator with coolant, start the engine with the cap off, add more coolant as the level drops, then put on the cap. After it cools down, perhaps the next day or when you have time, remove the cap and top it off. An overflow container is also a good idea if you don't have one already-I use a 1 liter soda bottle.

With regard to timing, get the light and follow the directions. Make sure the vacuum line to the distributor vacuum advance module is disconnected from the distributor and plugged. These engines run well when timing is advanced several degrees-I think mine is around 10 degrees before TDC-most folks on here seem to use between 7 and 12, some higher-listen to the engine and you will know. I found it helpful to put white chalk on the timing marks on the harmonic balancer for better visibility.

If you have a points ignition, consider adjusting the dwell angle so you can get the best spark.

[1guydude]

K thanks for the respone fred. Hopefully ill get both these figured tomorrow or monday before work.
D

[HIO Silver]

Drill a 1/8-inch hole on the t-stat's flange and orient at 12 o'clock... doesn't matter if it is AM or PM... doing so will bleed air from the block and in turn bleed air out of the entire system.

[1guydude]

drilling a small hole in the thermostat or side of it was recommended to me by another as well. Im probably gonna do this.
Thinking I might have my head gaskets or one of em on incorrectly. I wasn't aware of the water passages be closed on the front and open on the back nor do I remember how I placed em.
Getting new gasket set and tearing it apart... :/
-d