Radiator to Big?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 2
From: Cypress
Radiator to Big?
Looking for your expertise out there.
I have a 1972 F100 with a 351 windsor and a c4 tranny. This is the way I bought it about a year ago. I know the 351 wasn't available and came with either a 360 or 390. Well my engine doesn't get to warm and the gauge needle barely moves. It feels like a cold engine when driving in the city even after a 30 minute drive. I have put one of those temp guns and it barely will reach 170.
The big radiator is still being used. Is it possible that I need a smaller radiator to fit the 351?
Also to add, I have a rebuilt 351, rebuilt carb, Duraspark timing, and everything is tuned good with timing and all. The truck runs good but I feel like it is a little sluggish from the start and believe it is running to cold. Oh yeah and I do have a thermostat.
Thanks for suggestions. I know the 351 windsor is being used out there. What radiator are you using?
Thanks
Kenny
I have a 1972 F100 with a 351 windsor and a c4 tranny. This is the way I bought it about a year ago. I know the 351 wasn't available and came with either a 360 or 390. Well my engine doesn't get to warm and the gauge needle barely moves. It feels like a cold engine when driving in the city even after a 30 minute drive. I have put one of those temp guns and it barely will reach 170.
The big radiator is still being used. Is it possible that I need a smaller radiator to fit the 351?
Also to add, I have a rebuilt 351, rebuilt carb, Duraspark timing, and everything is tuned good with timing and all. The truck runs good but I feel like it is a little sluggish from the start and believe it is running to cold. Oh yeah and I do have a thermostat.
Thanks for suggestions. I know the 351 windsor is being used out there. What radiator are you using?
Thanks
Kenny
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Looking for your expertise out there.
I have a 1972 F100 with a 351 windsor and a c4 tranny. This is the way I bought it about a year ago.
I know the 351W wasn't available and it came with either a 240 or 300 I-6; 302, 360 or 390.
Well my engine doesn't get too warm and the gauge needle barely moves. It feels like a cold engine when driving in the city even after a 30 minute drive. I have put one of those temp guns and it barely will reach 170.
The big radiator is still being used. Is it possible that I need a smaller radiator to fit the 351?
I have a 1972 F100 with a 351 windsor and a c4 tranny. This is the way I bought it about a year ago.
I know the 351W wasn't available and it came with either a 240 or 300 I-6; 302, 360 or 390.
Well my engine doesn't get too warm and the gauge needle barely moves. It feels like a cold engine when driving in the city even after a 30 minute drive. I have put one of those temp guns and it barely will reach 170.
The big radiator is still being used. Is it possible that I need a smaller radiator to fit the 351?
If the "big" radiator is the Super Cooler (26 1/4" wide x 24 1/4" high), it uses a different radiator support than the standard, xtra cooling and A/C radiators (26 1/4" wide x 19 1/4" high).
So...if you install a non Super Cooling radiator, you will have to modify its mounting brackets, as the Super Cooling radiator support has a larger opening radius.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,494
Likes: 2,809
OP says he has a t-stat, but did not say what temp it is. IMO if the t-stat is the correct temp, he should not be running too cool.
IF the rad really is too large, which again I think is almost impossible within the parameters given, OP could use a smaller fan, or restrict air intake with sheet metal or plastic, or try cardboard for a temporary test.
Also, if this is a carb motor the carb needs a little heat usually. Exhaust through the intake or hot water in the spacer under the carb are the standard methods iirc.
IF the rad really is too large, which again I think is almost impossible within the parameters given, OP could use a smaller fan, or restrict air intake with sheet metal or plastic, or try cardboard for a temporary test.
Also, if this is a carb motor the carb needs a little heat usually. Exhaust through the intake or hot water in the spacer under the carb are the standard methods iirc.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,455
Likes: 4
From: Western Kentucky
If the Thermostat is working it should come up to temp. If the radiator is to big the temp would drop back after the thermostat opens. It sounds like it might by a fail-safe thermostat that is bad. I have seen new ones bad right out of the box, and when they fail they are in the open position, and it will not heat up.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
OP says he has a t-stat, but did not say what temp it is. IMO if the t-stat is the correct temp, he should not be running too cool.
IF the rad really is too large, which again I think is almost impossible within the parameters given, OP could use a smaller fan, or restrict air intake with sheet metal or plastic, or try cardboard for a temporary test.
Also, if this is a carb motor the carb needs a little heat usually. Exhaust through the intake or hot water in the spacer under the carb are the standard methods iirc.
IF the rad really is too large, which again I think is almost impossible within the parameters given, OP could use a smaller fan, or restrict air intake with sheet metal or plastic, or try cardboard for a temporary test.
Also, if this is a carb motor the carb needs a little heat usually. Exhaust through the intake or hot water in the spacer under the carb are the standard methods iirc.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
Either you have a cold thermostat, or it's stuck open. Stick a 195 in it and your problem will be solved.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
I was having a similar issue on my 99 PSD. The engine ran too cool. It would take forever to warm up, and as soon as I stopped, it would fall down again. The thermostat was there, and it was closed, but who knows when it was opening.
I replaced it with a new 195 unit and problem solved. Warms up faster, holds temperature, doesn't fluctuate anymore.
I replaced it with a new 195 unit and problem solved. Warms up faster, holds temperature, doesn't fluctuate anymore.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
I might have to get me one of those. How much +/- between your gauge and the temp gun? Any brand/model recommendation?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
It's damn handy. My gauge isn't numbered, but it runs just inside the range.
Mine is from harbor freight, it's starting to act up after 2 years. Sams club has them available for $20.
Mine is from harbor freight, it's starting to act up after 2 years. Sams club has them available for $20.