ignition timing on a 1963 chrysler newport?

Question

I have replaced the water pump, therm., temp sending unit, and now my car is over heating. The car did not overheat prior to this. I had the distributer out of the car at the same time, and I think my timing could be off. Could this be the cause of my problem????
Thanks

I am going to try a new sending unit.
Everything else is good to go.

Answer 1

Possibly, but not likely. More probable would be either a restriction in the coolant flow (part of a gasket, rust, etc) caught in the thermostat or perhaps around the water pump.
is there ANY chance that you put the thermostat in up-side-down? This happens very frequently.
The temperature bulb must go into the engine and NOT toward the housing. The flow is from the engine up and out to the radiator. If the thermostat is in backwards, the hot water isn't sensed by the thermostat, therefore it won't open up.
As for the timing, as I remember, I THINK it is about 6 degrees advanced. You can leave the vacuum advance hose connected.
Very long time ago, and an incredibly high quality memory, but very low quantity!

Good Luck

Answer 2

Yes, Ironhand knows his sh** ...... 6 degrees BTDC sounds right. But anything within 2 degrees of that; either way will work fine. Also, you are correct, in that, if the timing is excessively advanced,it will cause the engine to overheat.