May try it again without a stat in and check the stat that I have. I should have at least stuck a thermometer into the rad neck.

I have seen a little debate about head bolts going into water. Most of time the posters say that the head bolts are dry and do not have water. That's was what I always thought was the case. This is a 1970 block.

I will have my son pull the exhaust bolts to check for water. I kinda think that they will be dry, though.

Thanks everyone.