Overheating 76 Bronco
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New User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Canada
Overheating 76 Bronco
My 76 Explorer 302 automatic seems to be running hot. Haven't actually measured the temperature yet but the rad hoses (top and bottom) are very hot to the touch. Does any one know what the coolant temperature should be.
Thanks
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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it should be what ever temp thermostat you are running in the engine for your normal temp going down the road. will propably heat up a little more when sitting still in traffic or driving real slow off road. does the gauge not work?
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New User
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From: Canada
Overheating
No the temp gauge doesnt work, nor the gas gauge nor the oil pressure etc.
Just bought the truck which was in storage so has a long list of items to fix.
Anyway I have checked the thermostat but couldn't see a temp rating on it.
Using a thermometer my coolant is reading about 180 F which sounds ok to me. Truck is new to me and just seems very hot under hood but maybe that is normal. Thanks for the reply anyway.
Just bought the truck which was in storage so has a long list of items to fix.
Anyway I have checked the thermostat but couldn't see a temp rating on it.
Using a thermometer my coolant is reading about 180 F which sounds ok to me. Truck is new to me and just seems very hot under hood but maybe that is normal. Thanks for the reply anyway.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 132
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From: Montana
If the temp of the coolant is 180, that is pretty good. However, check your vin # to see if the 302 is original motor. If your 302 is using a 6 cylinder radiator then the cooling capacity is maxed. I put a 390 radiator in my truck and now it does not overheat at all, no matter what the conditions are.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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On the old Bronco's it's next to impossible to use a 6cyl radiator with the V-8. The hose connections are not in the correct place, and it is considerably smaller. The old bronco used the 6cyl out of the old cars (170/200 not the 300). I tried to make it work for a while but the engine would overheat all the time(spewing out the radiator cap, not hot hoses). The hose that you are mentioning will get very hot at times, it makes it fun for setting the timing. The old Bronco's do have some cooling problems and most people have corrected them with a 195 deg thermostat. Or removing the inner fenderwells, the bronco engine compartment doesn't breath very well.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 132
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From: Montana
A radiator shop can customize a bigger radiator to fit you motor. Also,you may want to install a flex fan that helps cooling as well.
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Anyone try an aluminum radiator from summit? I ran one in my pontiac, which are notorious for running hot, and it was rock solid at 180, all the time. I am in the process of building a 68 bronco, and will need a radiator before too long
Rich
Rich
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they help along with a elect fan if you want it to stay cool off road. at least that is what it takes to keep mine cool. just driving around it did fine but driving real slow off road for any length of time when it is really hot out the temp would rise.
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Due to present global warming there is no viable solution until all the fossil fuels have been completely used up. Of course then your Bronco want overheat because you can't drive it.
Install an aftermarket mechanical temperature gauge to monitor the temperature.
Ambient air temperatures and driving conditions (real slow, moderate or real fast) will affect this. If it is overheating, have the radiator cleaned at a radiator shop, install the proper T'stat and radiator cap. If it is boiling over, look for a blown head gasket.
Install an aftermarket mechanical temperature gauge to monitor the temperature.
Ambient air temperatures and driving conditions (real slow, moderate or real fast) will affect this. If it is overheating, have the radiator cleaned at a radiator shop, install the proper T'stat and radiator cap. If it is boiling over, look for a blown head gasket.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
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From: Southern Oregon USA
An aluminum radiator makes a significant difference on a proper functioning system. I've seen upwards of a 25-30 deg temp drop with an aluminum radiator. You can get them from any of the Bronco parts suppliers.
As far as a overheating problem, you need to get a functioning gauge before you determine that there is a problem.
Jason
As far as a overheating problem, you need to get a functioning gauge before you determine that there is a problem.
Jason
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