I finally replaced my radiator with a Nissens aluminum radiator today. I also replaced the h2o pump while I was at it. Turns out the h20 pump was JUST a bit wobbly, like maybe a 1/64" but still... wobbly.
As for the fan clutch, I cleaned all the gunk off it with ZEP. The bi-metal strip was so clogged that even if it did try to move there was so much muck between the spirals it couldn't have moved much.
So I went from 224ºf at 70 mph to 204ºf at 75mph with the a/c on. Mind you this is in 100ºf Texas heat today. I think it still needs to be burped but VERY happy with the temps I'm seeing on the UlraGauge.
I also replaced the serpentine belt as well. I cleaned the grooves in all the pulleys, it's amazing how much rubber gets trapped in the grooves. I replaced the t-stat (180ºf) and hoses a couple weeks ago along with flushing the coolant.

 

Good work! Sounds like the fan clutch is shot. The gunk you cleaned off the outside is from the silicon fluid that should be on the inside.

A new fan clutch will help keep temps down at low speed and zero speed. The sound a fan makes with a working clutch is very distinct compared to a non-working clutch because the fan spins faster (louder) when first started. Then it gets quieter after a mile down the road or so. Gets loud again when the engine bay heats up. Be sure to get one with the thermostatic coil.

 

JohnZo,
You may be right about the fan clutch but the "gunk" I cleaned off was road grim, mud, etc. It was really messing when I bought her back in Feb.
If you turn the fan by hand when the engine is cold, there is resistance. The fan might spin three blades or so. When the engine is hot, after shutting it down, spinning it by hand, the fan spins three blades or so. I've never felt it free wheel, so not sure if it's bad or not.

I live on the flight path for Austin's airport. The planes fly over my house at about 1800" or so. After cleaning the old fan clutch, I started up the engine and I kept hearing a jet engine and was wondering why it was flying in circles overhead. Then I realized it was the fan clutch. LOL

The thermostatic coil was really gunked up. That's what lead me to clean the thing. I'm going to try to burp it and see if the temps come down. If not, I'll change the fan clutch and report back.
Thanks,
dcphotos

 

So I put a new fan clutch in yesterday. Today, drove it about 35-40 miles on the freeway going 70-75mph. 100°F+ outside and it only got up to 185°F on the UltraGauge w/A/C on.

So about a 40°F drop in temp by replacing the t-stat, radiator, coolant, hoses and fan clutch.

Problem solved I'd say!
dcphotos

 

That is really good and goes to show that that the fan clutch is an important piece of the puzzle (not that anyone doubted it).

Which fan clutch did you install (brand / model #)? I'm always interested to know what works for people. Generally I run a basic clutch from AB. When the heat gets extreme I toss in the Hayden 2991 which is a severe duty model, but it screams like a banshee at all times. I remove it as soon as the extreme heat subsides.

 

WaltNYC,
I bought a URO PARTS Fan Clutch part #ERR3443 from AMAZON.
It's a standard duty. $60.00 free shipping with Prime

I agree it was the last piece of the puzzle that I needed to complete the "cool runnings".