I can't seem to keep the temperature down on my 62 f100. The average daytime, sun up temp seems to be 230ish, right before the H on the gauge. Early morning it stays around 180-200. As I idle of course the temp can rise. I don't have a shroud for my fan and am having a tough time locating one. What is the right temp and does anyone have suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

sounds about right for Phoenix.... and i don't think a shroud will help any.

maybe pull the thermostat out.

 

You cannot find a fan shroud for these trucks, because none came with one originally.

There is one, however...that'll fit. D3TZ-8146-C (replaced C8TZ-8146-K): 1968/76 F100/350 360/390 without Super Cooling Radiator.

Obsoleted by Ford several years ago, Carpenter has reproduced it.

 

"The average daytime, sunup temperature seems to be 230ish . . ." that's the Phoenix outside temperature you're talking about, isn't it? Besides trying the fan shroud ND mentioned, you might try a 6 or 7 blade fan (ND has a P/N for that too!) and run Water Wetter (or something similar) in your cooling system. It's tough to be an old truck in Phoenix when the outside temperature is 230ish. It certainly feels like it anyway!

 

What engine do you have in it? In my 64 with a 292 I had the same problem. I put water wetter no change in the temperature reading. I replaced the thermostat, no change in temperature reading. I put a shroud on it, no difference in temperature reading. I finally installed electric fans with a sensor that starts the fans at 195* You know what the temperature on my gauge was? 230 right next to "H" I still don't know the exact problem, because I changed everything, could be bad wiring. I have put a NOS temp gauge on it, and still get the same reading. But my fans kick on and I'm happy

 

I used to have nasty overheating problems. I super cooling radiator later, and it has never got over 180*. I never see over 105* outside though.

 

First, make sure the cooling system is in tip top shape. Second, use a gauge that is known to be accurate or an infrared thermometer to see how hot it really is. With that data, you can formulate a plan.

Which engine do you have? If a Y-Block, you can put a restrictor in the bypass hose. That's the short hose between the thermostat housing and water pump. Try a 3/16" restrictioun to start. This will force more coolant through the radiator. The drawback is that it will take longer to warm up but in AZ, that's probably not a big concern.
You can also try a high flow Robert Shaw type thermostat.

 

My 292 in my 62 was the same way

 

I believe he has a 223 engine, either way good advice guys!

 

I am running at 223. Thanks to everyone for your help. My first thought was to pull the radiator out and have it treated to really remove the sediment and crud, but I may save the money and invest in a better, new radiator. I'm wondering now just how accurate the gauge is, too. But at least you guys have helped point me in the right direction.

 

Using a high quality oil can also help keep the temperature down a bit. When I say high quality, I just mean any decent name brand oil.