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1. 180* stat
2. Make sure your temp sending unit is the correct one and it's compatible with your gauge.
3. Fan shroud or switch to electric fans.
4. If you go electric get a setup Fromm a 2000 Ford contour, if you can hit a pick n pull get all the wiring harnesses as well.
5. If you go electric fans get a 95 mustang gt 3G alternator setup with wiring harnesses.
6. I have a 466 running about 435hp and run a contour setup with 3G alternator it stays cool and if the gauge climbs the fans kick onto high and cool it real quick and I've never had a problem. Rockauto sells the fan for around $120.
7. Is it possible the head gaskets are installed backwards blocking the coolant holes?
8. Is the backing plate missing behind the water pump?
I'll repeat a point John made back on post #19; use better gas.
I'm amazed as to how much 'happier' my old engines are when I use fuel they were designed to operate on.... 90 octane, 100% gasoline with a lead substitute additive. My ol' 390 idles better, runs down the road better, better fuel mileage, more power, etc.
The corn gas does not run well. In my 64 just recently swapped out a 195° for a 180°, and the heater was noticeably deficient in the recent cold snap on the highway. In the past I'd leave the fan off and it was just right. If you're running plenty of ignition timing (as you should) the engine will run a little cooler as well. It seems to me 195° t-stats are the way to go.
So cooling was working much better but I was still having issues when sitting in traffic and at lights. The temp would creep up past 220+
So I had a custom shroud made at a local shop and that made a huge difference. Temp never goes higher than 190 degrees now no matter how long the truck is just sitting there running. The shroud works amazing. I'll post a picture of it tomorrow.
140°F is way to cold you want to be around 180°F ideally, low engine temps lead to increased cylinder wall wear, see below chart. As coolant temp rises radiator efficiency increases as the temperature differential to the surrounding air increases allowing it to release more heat.
I would get a proper thermostat in the truck 180°F to 192°F and go from there. At this point you have no issues at all. Start to worry about it if engine temps start going above 205°F.
I was late to this thread, but I couldn't help laughing when I saw this post.
All my old Lincolns had 460's with A/C, P/S, and big alternators.
That was in reference to 1965 F100's. My 1971 Mustang 429 CJ had PS, AC and a fan shroud, fan clutch and the biggest radiator Ford could fit under the hood. But you better not sit in traffic on a hot July day for more than 20 minutes with the AC on.
So cooling was working much better but I was still having issues when sitting in traffic and at lights. The temp would creep up past 220+
So I had a custom shroud made at a local shop and that made a huge difference. Temp never goes higher than 190 degrees now no matter how long the truck is just sitting there running. The shroud works amazing. I'll post a picture of it tomorrow.
Your fan shroud idea is great, I have been always thinking of installing/fabricating one. My problem is the jam traffic and the stop light even in a cold weather. Glad to hear your cooling system is improving.
The shroud made a huge difference and I also swapped out the 190 TS for a 180. I also had to replace the fan clutch again because the new one wore out too quickly. I found a good heavy duty clutch and a new fan blade to install and it is a hellofa lot better now. When sitting in traffic with the ambient temp around 110 degrees the truck will get up towards 200 degrees but so far it has not gone higher. That has happened a few times but mostly it sits right around 190-195 all day long.
In another 5 years I plan to replace this motor with a ford racing crate engine and toss in a new transmission. I expect to replace the rad at that point and have a bit more space under the hood unless i opt to run a new 460. I have not decided yet.Saving up the 10k needed to buy the tanny and engine. It's going to take me awhile.
03-11-2017, 08:54 PM
, PS. Nice Stang
