Big Ed
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Big Ed
Big Ed (1970'71 F250) constantly overheats. Radiator has been changed, thermostat changed. Haters tell me it's typical of a Ford. Any comments or ideas? I use this truck for firewood, hauling ......
More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 632
Likes: 41
Welcome
Hi there,
Welcome.
A few ideas of things to look at and check. First off, make sure you have the thermostat installed correctly. Don't like to admit it but I installed it in the wrong direction and it is very easy to do on these FE's. Second, has the block been flushed out? These old motors can accumulate a lot of stuff in the block and need to be flushed out...sounds like everything else is newer and working so this could be it. Third, do you have a fan shroud and how close to the radiator is the fan? These FE's make a lot of heat and there's not a lot of air moving at idle speed and those two things can affect it a lot.
Lastly, how's your oil pressure?
Good luck.
Welcome.
A few ideas of things to look at and check. First off, make sure you have the thermostat installed correctly. Don't like to admit it but I installed it in the wrong direction and it is very easy to do on these FE's. Second, has the block been flushed out? These old motors can accumulate a lot of stuff in the block and need to be flushed out...sounds like everything else is newer and working so this could be it. Third, do you have a fan shroud and how close to the radiator is the fan? These FE's make a lot of heat and there's not a lot of air moving at idle speed and those two things can affect it a lot.
Lastly, how's your oil pressure?
Good luck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Does it have a fan shroud? Perhaps air trapped in system?
Or engines' coolant passages are full of crud and has never been properly flushed. If equipped with an FE, gotta pull the two pipe plugs low on the block below cylinders 3 and 7. If nothing comes out, poke it and keep clear or else you'll be wearing it.
Other than that, timing is out of spec or the engine is on its last legs...
Or engines' coolant passages are full of crud and has never been properly flushed. If equipped with an FE, gotta pull the two pipe plugs low on the block below cylinders 3 and 7. If nothing comes out, poke it and keep clear or else you'll be wearing it.
Other than that, timing is out of spec or the engine is on its last legs...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 14
From: Vale, NC
A friend of mine suggests throwing a few of those dishwasher detergent pellets into your radiator and running it a bit and then flushing. They have stuff that is good at breaking down the grit and stuff that forms.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
Likes: 10
From: **** hole San Jose ca.
The most common problem of over heating is a lack of proper cooling system maintenance. Other things possible vacuum advance leak sucking air making it run lean. if running a fan clutch fan clutch needs replacing or not correct size pulley, pulley is for a manual fan to large= water pump turning to slow to keep it cool.
Need more input we can't play the guessing game.
Orich
Need more input we can't play the guessing game.
Orich
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 7
From: Garland, Tx
Welcome to FTE/Jeopardy, Just kidding.
Is this an issue that has just started or is it on going?
Agree with all the above suggestions.
Is this an issue that has just started or is it on going?
Agree with all the above suggestions.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
When the system is working properly, and moving forward 20 mph or more no fan or shroud is needed. Sitting idling is another thing, in the summer time it will not do for more than a few minutes.
Is your system puking cooklant? The coolant needs to be about 3in down for expansion. As long as you can see coolant on a cold rest you are OK.
John
Is your system puking cooklant? The coolant needs to be about 3in down for expansion. As long as you can see coolant on a cold rest you are OK.
John
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