Backstory: When I bought my 79 F150, the PO must have special ordered it with an oil bath air cleaner. When I removed it to clean the element, it completely fell apart so I just threw on an aftermarket parts store air cleaner that pulls hot air from the engine bay. I finally found an OEM air cleaner that I plan on putting back on.
Ok, on with the question: Now that the weather is getting warm, and running with the AC on, my trucks temp starts to creep over 210. I know this temp is not that concerning, but it wasn't even really that hot out. Will putting the factory air cleaner back on, with the hose pulling air from the grille help with keeping temps down? I don't know if pulling hot air from the engine compartment would make much of a difference as far as running temps. The reason I'm asking instead of just trying it, is that the OE cleaner needs a lot of cleaning and restoring before putting back on. I wasn't sure if it was worth the effort. Thanks!

 

Does the truck have the fan shroud? that would direct the air for better cooling. Did you have an issue when it was warm out before you replaced the air cleaner?

 

It does have the shroud, and I can't say if it ran hot before. I bought the truck late last year and didn't get an aftermarket temp gauge installed until it was winter and it was a non-issue.

 

Think a cooling system flush and checking your thermostat will probably do more good than changing air cleaners.

 

The radiator tubes could have a layer of corrosion or whatever coating their insides, acting as insulation, and impeding heat transfer.

 

It has a new radiator and thermostat (correct one), so I may need to do a flush of the block. My water pump may be on its way out also...I think it's original. I'm trying to make it to this fall when I plan on pulling the motor for a refresh I was just hoping pulling cool air from the outside would help bring the temps down a few degrees.

 

Does it have a clutch fan? Maybe the clutch could be bad not engaging when it reaches temp.

 

It does have a clutch fan, I will check that as well.

 

My AC guy tells me there are (at least) three fan clutches. I thought I had the heavy duty, but he said it was spinning too freely. I replaced it with a severe duty.

Other things to check:

• flush block
• flush radiator
• consider the heater core as an extension of the radiator
• sticking / proper thermostat (just because they're new doesn't make them correct or functional)
• correct or heavy duty fan (size and number of blades)
• water pump / backing plate / cavitation
• hoses
• fuel mixture (lean=hot)
• fan shroud
• fan belt tension

The C6 transmission generates a lot of heat - especially when idling in gear. If idling for extended periods, use Park/Neutral or cut the engine.

I live in Yuma, AZ (doesn't get much hotter than here) and have aftermarket style air cleaners on the three trucks - not a problem!