1966 ford overheating issues...
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 562
Likes: 1
From: Texas
I guess I'm fortunate with my 240. The entire cooling system is box stock and it simply refuses to overheat. At first glance, the stock radiator seems almost comically small.
I had it sitting nearly still at idle for about 20 minutes on I-45 in a construction related traffic jam the other day, with temps in the mid-90's and it stayed at around 180ish (according to the small gauge and my poor eyesight). It sucked for me to be sitting there with no AC, but the little truck shrugged it off like a champ.
One thing that struck me however, when I changed the water pump on this truck a few years ago was how big the water passages inside the block seem to be compared to other engines. That may have something to do with it.
I've seen these Ford six cylinders sitting out in west Texas, running pump jacks, just idling for literally days on end in the brutal heat and not even thinking about overheating.
But then again, the OP's original question was about a 351W and not a six, so this is pretty much just me rambling nonsensically.
I had it sitting nearly still at idle for about 20 minutes on I-45 in a construction related traffic jam the other day, with temps in the mid-90's and it stayed at around 180ish (according to the small gauge and my poor eyesight). It sucked for me to be sitting there with no AC, but the little truck shrugged it off like a champ.
One thing that struck me however, when I changed the water pump on this truck a few years ago was how big the water passages inside the block seem to be compared to other engines. That may have something to do with it.
I've seen these Ford six cylinders sitting out in west Texas, running pump jacks, just idling for literally days on end in the brutal heat and not even thinking about overheating.
But then again, the OP's original question was about a 351W and not a six, so this is pretty much just me rambling nonsensically.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Original post mentions the truck was 'running great' and then developed an over heating problem and that the temp gauge would fluctuate between hot and normal temp; if the case, wonder if there are any issues with the other gauges; if so, I would check to determine if the gauge cluster is well grounded, especially with the Custom Cab plastic instrument panel, and/or whether the Constant Voltage Regulator mounted on the back of the instrument cluster is working, check all connections at the gauge and sending unit. Finally, did not see whether the sending unit was replaced?? IMO, if purpose of purchasing the shroud is to resolve the over heating issue then I would not put the money into shroud, at this time, until figured what is causing the problem. Anyhow, some additional food for thought??
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 784
From: Simi Valley, CA
When the ICVR (Instrument Cluster Voltage Regulator) begins to fail, the fuel and temp gauge needles do the "hula" .. swing (fluctuate) wildly back and forth on their own.
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