I recently purchased an '83 TA with a rebuilt 350 engine and trans put in it so I could have some fun before I am off to BMT in December. The car runs and drives pretty well except for a few minor things, one of which will be hopefully covered in this thread.
When I start the car the first time for the day it takes a very long time to warm up to any sort of temp. Usually I let it sit for about ten mins before i drve it, but even then the needle doesn't move past 130 ( i have an aftermarket temp guage). While it is sitting there idling before I drive it, the upper radiator hose seems to be verypressurized, I can still squeeze it thoguh. The car also leaks a fair amount of coolant out from where the upper hose connects to the radiator. It only does this when I start it for the first time of the day or when it has been sitting for a few hours and start it...Every few days I have to put maybe a water bottle's worth of coolant in the resevoir to keep the level up...Anybody have any idea what is causing this problem or how to fix it? It's kind of embarrasing to be out somewhere for a while and when you start your car it pees coolant...
Also, what should the coolant temp be in the car when it is warm? My guage usually reads about 199 degrees when it's warmed up......

Thanx!

 

nobody can offer any advice?

 

Why is leaking? Bad hose? Hose not tight? Radiator cracked?

Sounds like you have a stock thermostat which is 195 degrees. So, your cars temp is fine. -Nick.