[Tim Cole]

Re the over heating problem; I'd suggest that your motor is running hot when the heat is turned on (such as the defroster) because the heater core is plugged up; the coolant can't flow through it like it is supposed to. Remove both heater hoses at the firewall; careful when removing it--that you don't crack the 2 brass nozzles on the heater core. Remove the screws that hold the heater core cover on; remove the cover--it will have some adhesive holding it down. Once the cover is off, lift out the heater core and run some water through it: does the water flow smoothly and quickly? If not, give it a good flush. Re-install when finished.

Your radiator might also be plugged; a radiator shop can "rod it out", cleaning out the water passages in it. Once cleaned, the coolant flows smoothly through it.

Re your fast idle: your 302-2v carb has 2 idle screws; the first screw is on the driver side of the motor and controls your normal idle RPM. Should run around 750 RPM in neutral, but lower in drive with the brake depressed.

The 2nd idle screw is the "fast idle screw." It is much smaller than the the first one and hard to see--located on the passenger side of the carb; the screw head faces the rear and is hidden from view; with a good light, carefully examine the rear portion of the visible choke linkage. You'll see a very small screw placed horizontally; it controls the fast idle cam when you start your motor.

To decrease the fast idle speed, turn the screw counter-clock-wise a half to 3/4 turn. Then, when the motor is cold, try starting it again. After a minute of warming up, give it some gas and see if it idles at a lower RPM. If it is still too high, turn the screw down another half-turn or son.

Car should idle at 750 RPM in neutral when its warmed up.

Hope that helps. Let us know how you do. Best wishes.