So I just rebuilt my 68 F100's cooling system, and it's still taking a beating from the California summer heat. My truck has the 360 V8 and I could really use some recommendations for replacement fan setups, I'd rather just replace the harmonic balancer and get a flex fan, but I'm open to anyone's ideas. If anyone has links to new flex fans that will fit a 360, I would really appreciate it.

 

Why would it be overheating? Seems there's blockage somewhere in the cooling system. The engine block cooling passages might be blocked off with rust or gelled up antifrezze. When I did the freeze plugs on Pops I notice how much muck and rust was on the inside of the block, after a long process of running the water hose thru it cleared most of the gunk out. Still got to do a good flush with distilled water and finishing with good ol antifreeze.

 

It's not overheating at all, but my temp gauge sits firmly in the middle of the gauge face. I want it to run cooler is all, I have put a summer thermostat in already.

 

Why would you need to replace the harmonic balancer, is it coming apart?

At the factory, a rubber gasket is placed between the outer damper and inner pulley, then the three parts are pressed together forming a one piece assembly.

Over time, the gasket age cracks/shrinks, causing the outer pulley to "walk away" from the inner damper. If not noticed, the pulley could fly off, end up in the radiator core.

Your truck originally came with a fan shroud, is it still present?

 

No slippage in the balancer, but as it spins, it wobbles pretty bad. No the fan shroud is gone, was missing when I bought the truck

 

D3TZ-8146-C (replaced C8TZ-8146-K) .. Fan Shroud / Marked on upper left corner: C8TA-8146-S or D3TA-8146-DA / Reproduced by Carpenter

1968/76 F100/350 360/390 - Use with standard/xtra cooling & A/C radiators that measure roughly 26 1/4" wide x 19 1/4" high.

Not used with Super Cooling radiator that measures roughly 26 1/4" wide x 24 1/4" high.

 

Thank you Number, I really appreciate the quick responses and the help. You wouldn't happen to know where I could get the proper flex fan for my truck as well, or at least a more efficient fan than the factory one?

 

There is no "proper" flex fan since Ford never offered one for these trucks.

There are FoMoCo flex fans from cars that will work, but all are obsolete. I could suggest some if you wish.

I don't like the aftermarket plastic flex fans as a blade could fly off, and today, they're probably made in China.

I don't know if Blue Oval Truck Parts has the fan shroud or a flex fan, but you could call (866-258-6825) and ask. They're located south of the 91 freeway in NE Anaheim.

 

What is a summer thermostat? What temperature spec is it supposed to open?

The OEM gauge is a guess at best.. it only communicates the relative "normal" temperature for your engine. I suggest installing a quality temperature gauge so you can actually determine a numerical value of the temperature.

Install a shroud as it will significantly improve cooling efficiency. Fabricate one if you have to.

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A hotter engine (not an overheating engine) will produce more power and get better fuel economy than a colder running engine.

Whatever temperature rating thermostat your trucks specifications call for is what should be installed.

Unless your engines radiator is boiling over, your engine isn't running too hot. If it is boiling over, you have other problems than a thermostat rating that's spec'd for your truck.

The primary purpose of the radiator isn't to cool the engine. It, along with the thermostat, are designed to keep the engine at optimal operating temperature.

 

The thermostat I put in is an OE spec, opens at 160 degrees.

 

I have a four bladed metal fan and a fan clutch on my truck, along with the factory fan shroud. I have never had a problem with overheating. I second the recommendation that you get a shroud. It will help direct the air over the radiator fins more efficiently.

 

The recommended spec thermostat for a '68 F100 360 is a 195°F thermostat.

Murray Temperature Control Plus 3009 - Thermostat | O'Reilly Auto Parts

The "Alternate" (not spec) choice thermostat is 160°F.

Murray Temperature Control Ultra 15356 - Thermostat | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

I had the ridgid-mount 4-blade stock fan on my 240 when I bought my truck. I replaced the 4-blade fan with a 7-blade fan from a '70 Thunderbird and added a fan clutch. My truck didn't have a shroud when I bought it and I currently still don't have a shroud. I'm running a 195°F thermostat. I don't have any overheating problems and it's plenty hot (95°-105°) and humid here in south Arkansas during this time of year.

 

I say don't create a problem that doesn't exist.