It appears I have the overheat problem solved. Replaced the carb/intake gasket, new air filter, replaced the vacuum advance line. Verified no apparent air leaks.
Then took apart the thermostat and found green grass stuck in it pulled it out and cleaned and tested, opened at 185 deg.
Flushed the system with 2 gals of vinegar and water a little more stuff came out. Filled it with distilled water and ran it.
Idled over an hour, barely got to the middle of the blue.
Ended up scraping the driveway and running over three hours continuous and just gets to the top of the blue on the gauge.
Drained and refilled with coolant and distilled mix, still great.
Now with that solved I can re-adjust the mixture for the smoothest running/starting.
Thanks to everyone who assisted.
John
