Hot running V8

Sounds a bit like a leaking head gasket to me. I'd start with a pressure test of the cooling system, and see if it's losing pressure, then if there's no signs of any external leaks it might be head off time.

Ugh - could be I guess. Oil and exhaust appear to be satisfactory to my untrained eye.

how?

Which brings us nicely back to the search for a reliable mech.

it could be the ignition timing has changed , get timing checked .

the pre igniting sounds like timing is out .

see below in case you have this problem occurred .

is the locking bolt for the distributor ok, check around the bolt hole boss to see if engine block casting is cracked at all , if it is get it cleaned up and ali mig welded, mine cracked here and i couldnt hold the distributor in place , you might think the bolt is holding it because it will tighten , but the only way to check is to actually look an see . i mig welded mine ok without removing anything, just put damp rags all around area and plenty water on them before welding .

A simple check to see if a head gasket has gone, is to top up the radiator, leave the cap off, and start the engine. If the water in the radiator starts blowing bubbles, it's a bad thing.......

Brian NZ

Unfortunately not all head gasket leaks actually blow out through the cooling system. But it's a good start.

investigation reveals the water pump has gone west.

so, some Q's

o is this a 'L/R only' recommended or will pattern parts do? o any of the stockists represented here have such a thing? o or other recomended supliers? o any other jobs might as well do at the time? o + fan belt o + power steering belt o + bottom hose o anythg else I shoulc cnsider?

Thank you for your thoughts.