Radiator and overheating
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New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5
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Radiator and overheating
My "new" 85 F-150 302 EFI had its radiator replaced when I bought it. The former owner had a single core aluminum put in and it has the original rigid steel fan. Is this radiator too light? I have also read a lot about Flex-a-lite fans-- will that draw noticably more air? Since I have presumably solved my timing and ignition problem, the truck is not overheating, but is running a little warm according to the gage, though I have not actually tested the coolant temp.
In a related question, I am getting a MAP sensor code. Will a bad MAP sensor affect temperature and timing? Also, I thought the MAP sensor was mounted on the firewall, but I can't find it.
Sorry some of my questions are pretty obvious, but it has been a long time since I did any wrenching and a lot has changed since then! I am having fun getting back into this now that I have finally got some things figured out that damn TFV-IV system!
Thanks again!
JT
In a related question, I am getting a MAP sensor code. Will a bad MAP sensor affect temperature and timing? Also, I thought the MAP sensor was mounted on the firewall, but I can't find it.
Sorry some of my questions are pretty obvious, but it has been a long time since I did any wrenching and a lot has changed since then! I am having fun getting back into this now that I have finally got some things figured out that damn TFV-IV system!
Thanks again!
JT
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Panama City United States
Radiator and overheating
Hey JT
A single core radiator sounds mighty small for a f-150. I was having overheating problems with my 84 f-150 so I changed the 2 core which was half clogged up and replace it with a 3 core. Not that much difference in price. Also I added a 3 cluster gauge set underdash and diconnected the in dash gauges. Now I can tell exactly what the temp-oil pressure-and volts are. A cool 190. I really like my gauges. As far as the flexfans don't know if you will get more air supposely less drag on the engine. I would do the radiator first and see what your temp does. Of course you can't tell the exact temp with the gauges. Good Luck!
JJH
A single core radiator sounds mighty small for a f-150. I was having overheating problems with my 84 f-150 so I changed the 2 core which was half clogged up and replace it with a 3 core. Not that much difference in price. Also I added a 3 cluster gauge set underdash and diconnected the in dash gauges. Now I can tell exactly what the temp-oil pressure-and volts are. A cool 190. I really like my gauges. As far as the flexfans don't know if you will get more air supposely less drag on the engine. I would do the radiator first and see what your temp does. Of course you can't tell the exact temp with the gauges. Good Luck!
JJH
New User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8
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From: Fortville USA
Radiator and overheating
Your problem sounds alot like the problem I had with mine. I had a plow installed on the truck and was having some serious overheating problems. The mfr. may say that a single core alum radiatior will handle it, however, i'm here to tell you..it ain't so. I replaced the single core with a 6 core heavy duty steel framed radiator. I have not had a single cooling problem with it since then. The rest of the cooling system is stock. (fan, shroud, hoses, clutch, etc.) I guess it's gonna depend alot on what it is that you do with the truck. I'd guess that a 2 or 3 core would be enough if you planned on doing average hauling with it.
