Overheating problems
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Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 90
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From: Eudora USA
Overheating problems
I have a built 400 in my 78 F-150 and I am having overheating problems. My truck came from the factory with a 3 row radiator and a 195* thermostat. There are no leaks and the system is maintaining pressure but it is still overheating. What would be the best way to cure this problem.
A 180* thermostat?
A 160* thermostat?
A new edelbrock alum water pump to replace the origanal stock one?
A used 4 row 460 radiator?
A new Be-Cool custom fit alum radiator?
A oil cooler?
A flex fan to replace the origanal stock fan?
I would like to fix this problem for good however I would like the solution to be as cheep as posible. Any sugestions. Thanks.
-Jim
A 180* thermostat?
A 160* thermostat?
A new edelbrock alum water pump to replace the origanal stock one?
A used 4 row 460 radiator?
A new Be-Cool custom fit alum radiator?
A oil cooler?
A flex fan to replace the origanal stock fan?
I would like to fix this problem for good however I would like the solution to be as cheep as posible. Any sugestions. Thanks.
-Jim
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: West Kentucky
Overheating problems
I would definately pitch the 195 thermostat. Try a 180. What kind of shape is your radiator in? Maybe it just needs to be rodded out? I've had radiators cleaned out at the radiator shop before and then be stopped up again within a year, all due to the high mineral content of the water in my area. I now use distilled water and antifreeze.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Eudora USA
Overheating problems
I dont think my radiator is cloged, got it repaired and cleaned end of last summer and we usally dont have cloging problems in these parts anyway. In regards to the thermostat where could I get a 180*, I know they exist but the parts stores only have 195* for these motors, they have a differnt thermostat than all the other ford engines. You know where I could pick one up. Thanks.
-Jim
-Jim
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
From: West Kentucky
Overheating problems
I had a 180 in my 400 that I just tore down and have used a 160 in a Cleveland before, however i don't know if the 160 is still available. I just went to the parts store and told them I wanted a 180 theromostat for a 400 engine. They might give you some BS about that is not what came in it factory just say I know and insist on a 180, even ask about a 160 and see what happens, even try differant parts store to see what happens.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,624
Likes: 342
From: Albuquerque
Overheating problems
180 thermo from Summit racing/Moroso. It's a RobertShaw hipo.
RV/heavy duty clutch fan.
4 row radiator. Three is to little.
This set up cured all my problems
I'm using the BeCool now but it would lead to a lot of other projects. Search for my post on should exhibit.
RV/heavy duty clutch fan.
4 row radiator. Three is to little.
This set up cured all my problems
I'm using the BeCool now but it would lead to a lot of other projects. Search for my post on should exhibit.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis, MN
Overheating problems
If it's going to overheat, a lower temp thermostat just delays the inevitable. Once the coolant temp reaches 200°, it doesn't matter if the thermostat opened at 180° or 195°. It's still open. RobertShaw thermostat is recommended.
A flex fan will usually pull less air than a factory fan with the fan clutch. Make sure the fan shroud is in good shape. No more than 50/50 mix on the antifreeze. More antifreeze will boil at a higher temp but won't cool as well.
Is it overheating going down the road or mainly at idle in traffic?
If everything else is in good shape, a 4 row radiator might be your best option.
Just my 2¢
Greg
A flex fan will usually pull less air than a factory fan with the fan clutch. Make sure the fan shroud is in good shape. No more than 50/50 mix on the antifreeze. More antifreeze will boil at a higher temp but won't cool as well.
Is it overheating going down the road or mainly at idle in traffic?
If everything else is in good shape, a 4 row radiator might be your best option.
Just my 2¢
Greg
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
Overheating problems
After rebuilding my 400 it kept overheating. I changed thermostats 3 times and it still kept overheating. I ran it for about 3 months with no thermostat, then put in a 160 and havent had a problem since. Sometimes a new or high flow water pump will push the t-stat closed. Also, is your motor overbored? If a 400 is bored past 40 over, it will almost always overheat.
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Eudora USA
Overheating problems
found the problem, It was electrical. To be positive I even got an aftermarket temp guage and all was fine. Thanks everyone.
-Jim
P.S. I would still like to get a 4 row becouse I am pushing it with the three row in the summer. What is the most I should pay for a used 460 4 row radiator to fit in my truck.
-Jim
P.S. I would still like to get a 4 row becouse I am pushing it with the three row in the summer. What is the most I should pay for a used 460 4 row radiator to fit in my truck.
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