To bring this thread to an end. I’m back from the hurricanes and pulled the radiator and water pump. The water pump baffle plate was installed backwards, and more importantly had become loose, falling down exposing part of the cylinder wall. Thus, poor water circulation. It had lodged in such a way as to not be hit by the impeller.
Now, all the symptoms begin to make sense. Clarity is there to a once confusing set of symptoms. A new water pump, radiator will be done by an old time expert, and I expect to reinstall the 160 thermostat, to slow down the flow.
Never rule out the crazy and impossible. My humble thanks to all of you who helped me through this saga. It has been great fun, and I look forward to the next.
guy
