Why advance timing?

I replaced the guts of the radiator with completely new, only the frame was kept. That (or maybe just the cap) made a big improvement, but it was still boiling. Then I replaced the thermostat for a 2nd time (had tried a 180, went back to a 195) and the water pump (which may have been fine). Just came back from an evening drive and no heat issues, but the temps were down to maybe 70 instead of the 90 degree middle of the day temps I was testing it out earlier. Didn't diesel at all from driving maybe 10 miles at 45-60 mph.

I don't know. I'm frustrated with it. My gauges aren't working either, figured it was the voltage limiter based on the temp gauge not functioning even when grounded. Ended up disconnecting the speedo cable when I put it all back together. But that's a completely separate problem, other than the fact I can't tell for sure how hot it's running. I guess the gauges are fried and I need to replace them (gas and temp).

I'll look at it again in the morning...

Thanks!