Overheating in winter?

[ChrisN]

My '76 has always run very cool throughout the year (barely out of blue) but last week on the way to work it finally happened: I saw red. Sitting at a light I saw the guage peak but once moving I could keep it in the normal range (barely) so I got 'er home and parked.

Now it seems like the perfect time to put in the E21 rad I've been hoarding for over a year. I'm also going to replace the thermostat, which I have always suspected was a 71 degree, as well as the temp sensor. I've got some info on the rad swap (already built the spacers) but would appreciate any tips for the job, especially on the E21 rad hose alterations.

TIA,

Chris

[SteveJ]

Replace the radiator cap before you throw other parts at it.

Those stupid things can give you all sorts of overheating issues.

[Mike Self]

sometimes get stuck--expecially in cold weather. It'll cause the temp to run up close to the red, then all of a sudden it'll come unstuck and the temp will drop right back down to normal. If a new cap doesn't cure the problem, try swapping 'stats...

mike