i have a 72 with 350 auto. temp runs 190 until going up a hill. It will reach 220. New water pump, thermostat (185) flushe rad. Fan fits inside shroud but 4 inch away from rad. I added a 16 in blowing fan on front of rad. No Help.
Any suggestions??

 

Even though the radiator was flushed some of the passages could be plugged up and flushing won't help. May want to try a new radiator.

 

Also make sure your ignition timing is set right, and that it's advancing fully at higher rpm's. Small blocks generally like 34-36 degrees of full advance. Having timing tape on the harmonic dampener would come in handy. The engine is under a greater load when going uphill, and not enough advance when the engine needs it can make it run hotter. Same goes for having too much advance. And, which vacuum port is the distributor advance hooked up to?

 

First thing I would do is use a infared thermometer to check and see your gauge is reading correctly. The thermostat housing should be a good spot to check once it warms up and gets to the same temperature. Another thing that. Might help is take the rad cap off when its cold and start it up. I don't imagine the head gaskets are toast but if you have exhaust coming out they are gone. I'm not a mechanic but those are easy tests. Also do not assume new parts always work. Thermostats are cheap and waterpumps can be checked easy enough

 

Since you've figured out the pusher fan isn't helping, I'd sure remove it, as it will only create more air flow issues blocking some air while cruising. I'd agree that checking timing, and making sure it's spot on, and the advance is working properly are critical to optimum cooling.