Update- cooling problem solved
Update. I am embarrassed to admit that I did not have a Flow Kooler pump after all- I had earlier replaced my 7 bolt Flow Kooler with an all aluminum 11 bolt (cast impeller) a few years back and had forgotten.
Last Thursday, I pulled the fan and water pump, and I had about .220" clearance from the plate. I hammered it down to 0 without the gasket, and then put the gasket back in. I also replaced my 18" flex fan with a 19.3" one for a tighter fit with the shroud, and replaced the parts store 180 degree thermostat with a Robert Shaw 180 degree thermostat.
In short, my cooling problem seems to be solved, and I believe the pump clearancing gets the credit. I drove around for about an hour on highways and in stop and go traffic on a 95 degree day, and the temp never got above 185.
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