How hot should it run

[Iansparky]

An update on my temperatures, before the run I 1st removed the front number plate that the previous owner had screwed to the front covering over half of the open mouth. During a 20 min run the temp gauge stayed under 70 degrees throughout, after i could touch the bonnet on the carb side comfortably and the average temperature on the black hoses and radiator were around 75 degrees. Obviously everything is all OK, I just got a bit carried away over thinking things.
Thanks for everyone that replied.
Ian

[DWW]

The series 1 'mouth' is too small to afford any obstruction let alone having a number plate disrupting and causing unnecessary turbulence to the ingress of cool air.

[dlgis]

I did a check with my cheap heat gun today:
Car had been sitting in full sun for 2 hours
Drove about 10-12 miles on B roads (40-60mph) with some traffic light queues towards the end
Outside temp showing 32C in the shade
Temp gauge in car creeping up above the half way mark towards the end
Used the heat gun within 3-5mins of parking at home in full sun.
Hottest part of bonnet was between nearside bonnet louvres and central hump ( so above the exhaust manifold) - 78-79C

Whether thats helpful or accurate, who knows

[mgcjag]

Yep...definatly too hot to touch....Steve

[paydase]

And what were your temperatures on the block, the rad, the hoses?-

[mgcjag]

Hi Serge....Darrly who posted his temp readings above is not the original poster.....Steve

[paydase]

Thank you Steve, my mistake.
So definitely "hot" bonnet in nominal use...

[max-it-out]

Retarded ignition timing ( as used on some of the US spec cars ) can make engines run hotter . Even with ordinary settings , the engine turns petrol and air into heat and noise , and a bit of power as well . On a hot day , after putting the car back in the garage , it can take several hours ( 4-7 ) before it`s cool enough to work on .