There are, however, a few things to check out. First, you didn't say what type of gauge you're using, or whether this gauge was in use 16 years ago when the car last ran. Obviously, the accuracy of the gauge could be questioned, but the real question is whether or not the 205-degree-F operating temperature is higher than it was the last time the car was on the road. An appreciable change in operating temp might signal a problem, but if the car ran just as hot back then, it's probably nothing to be concerned about.
Here's another area to investigate: The fan clutch. Did you replace the whole assembly, including the actual fan, or just the clutch? If you changed the whole fan, there's a good chance that you didn't use an exact duplicate of the original, so make sure the new one is up to the task. The tips of the fan should fit closely to the opening in the shroud, and the fan blades should be positioned about halfway in. If you only changed the clutch, make sure the new one is working properly. A number of experienced mechanics we've dealt with have warned against cheap aftermarket clutch fans, claiming they often don't function like originals and have excessive slippage. With a big engine like the 455, there's going to be lots of heat and not much rpm at idle, so fan clutch engagement is essential. With the engine running warm, try the old trick of placing a piece of paper in front of the radiator. If it doesn't immediately get sucked flat against the fins, your clutch is probably not doing its job.
United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
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13.Publication Title: Car Craft14.Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Sept '02
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