I have a water temp gauge and thought about installing it in my motorhome since the dash gauge tends to run on the high side of center, but maybe that is normal for a 460 V8 in a 10,000 lb motorhome (1990 with 60,000 miles). If I were to install the water temp gauge is there a separate plug to install it in? I am concerned that if I remove the existing water temp sender ito install the aftermarket gauge that I will lose a needed computer input from the original sender. Thanks, Paul

 

TallPaul; The computer should have a separate sendor/sensor near or on one of the heater hose outlets at the block (at least it does on my 4.9L. Also check for a plug on the sides of the heads.

One or two things you CAN do CHEAP minimize effects on engine from high compartment temps. Learned from ten years driving FORD E-350 Van AMBULANCES.

1.) Wrap all your fuel lines with insulation tape (Air conditioner stuff, gray and putty like.

2.) Get a couple of rectangular (approx. size 4"x6") air inlet scoops that BOATS use for venting their bilges. Cut two holes between the center ridge and the outer bends on the hood about 3/4 way back. Mount the scoops backward (opening toward windshield). Vents a whole lot of heat. I did this and average temps in compartment DROPPED significantly. Actually showed a drop from "A" to "R" on gauge.
Reason is the 460 takes up SO MUCH room in the Engine compartment their is no real room for air to flow around engine from radiator and escape. This allows HOT air to escape.

 

Thanks, I like the hood vent idea better than installing the water temp gauge. My wifes Aerostar could use hood vents too; it's engine may be wedged in even tighter than the 460 in the E350. I am not a body work guy, but will look at it and see what I can do.

 

Larry, before I cut holes in the hood I have one question: Will I have any problem with engine compartment smells feeding into the air intake on the cowl? If it does, my wife will kill me. I suspect it should not be a problem as hot air rises, but thought I better ask. Also, what do you cut the holes with?

Now that you mentioned it, I bet any vehicle could benefit from such scoops. Was sitting in my wife's Aerostar the other day while she ran into the store and ran the engine for the air con because it was very hot. I got out and opened the hood figuring it would vent a lot of heat. Seemed to work nicely.

Thanks, Paul

 

I have an E-350 ambulance and it has the hood vents as described.

I cannot compare before and after temps, but can confirm no smells, vapors, etc inside van.

 

Great. I am working on getting some vents. So far one boat dealer had only some louver type vents that would let a lot of rain in. Am going to another marine dealer today that can order vents from their catalog. But maybe an ambulance supply shop would have these too.

 

On my '89, there are two separate senders. As you look at the engine from the fan end, there is a two wire plug on the intake, just right of the distributor, that is for the 'puter. On the left side is a single wire connector, that is for the gauge. Put your new sensor in that hole and have a happy 'puter!

 

Hi everyone. First post, bare with me.

I would be carefull where you mount the ducts on the hood. That area where the hood meets the windshield is a high pressure area at speed.

Remember "cowl induction?".

Just off the top of my head, midway down the hood would seem approprate,a small one on each side, it would vent the radiators shrouding at the top of the engine and avoid a potenetial high pressure area.

Just a thought.

Kevin

 

Interesting point. With the motorhome I have a bunk sticking forward above the windshield, so maybe the pressure is different. I could tie some streamers to the wipers and cowl and see what they do at speed. However, if I get a cowl induction effect, that would introduce cooler air into the engine compartment and so probably would be a good thing.

Guys, I am having touble finding vents because I want ones that won't let the rain in, but it looks like they would have to be these big honking ugly chrome beasts sticking out like a misshapen sore thumb. Now I am suspecting that you are using louver vents and not caring if rain washes in. Am I right?