390 Temperature
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Freshman User
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390 Temperature
I have about 1000 miles on my rebuilt 390
I have a 195 thermostat in it
with an electric fan, I think it kicks on at 210.
It is around 220 when I am sitting in traffic.
Is this too high? It is only in the 40's right now.
I have a 195 thermostat in it
with an electric fan, I think it kicks on at 210.
It is around 220 when I am sitting in traffic.
Is this too high? It is only in the 40's right now.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: iowa
My 390 is the hottest running engine i think i have ever seen. My water pumps works, the radiator is huge, fan always runs of course. I even installed a 160 thermostat. I have a lot of exhaust temperature. My exhaust valves are discolored and my motor will burn out a set of fel pro gasket in three days. I mean they burn the gasket apart and all the backing comes off. Had this happen on 3 sets already. I don't know exactly whats going on but damn egr would help.
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Freshman User
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I will get a 180 and put it in this weekend. My timing is at 9 btdc degrees right now, no pings or deisling. It was running lean but I adjusted the carb with a vacuum gauge to the highest stable reading. should I do the timing the same way?
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Brentwood,CA
i run a 195 here in cal i have never had a problem running 195 in a fe engine i also have the extra cooling radiator and at free way it will drop to around 195 but i can idle it for long periods of time and it only goes to 205 max in the heat in the summer
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: SW Michigan
hot blooded 390
Pc, 220 is kinda on the warm side, but not a problem yet. FWIW, I run a 205* stat in everything. changing to a 180 isn't going to help your issue. The old 195 stat is fully open when your at 220, the 180 stat will open and be open sooner, but that is not going do anything to the high temp, the stat affects the minumum temp, not the max. You said this engine has 1000 miles on it. Are timing and mixtures set correctly ? are the water pump and radiator in good shape ? Is the bottom hose collapse proof ? Are you sure the gauge is telling the truth ? DF
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From: Jackassville
dino, do you think running a 190 or 200 will help with power, mileage, and fuel cosumption? I am still thinking of swithching to a hotter t-stat, my truck has no problems with cooling. Even in 100 degree heat it stays around 180.
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Originally Posted by fordeverpower
My 390 is the hottest running engine i think i have ever seen. My water pumps works, the radiator is huge, fan always runs of course. I even installed a 160 thermostat. I have a lot of exhaust temperature. My exhaust valves are discolored and my motor will burn out a set of fel pro gasket in three days. I mean they burn the gasket apart and all the backing comes off. Had this happen on 3 sets already. I don't know exactly whats going on but damn egr would help.
If everything else is correct thats all it can be!!
Russ
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DF
I have my timing set at 10 degrees I tried using the vacuum guage but at max vacuum it is more than 20 degrees and it pings pretty bad. What is the best way to set the timing? I have bosch platinum plugs gapped at 36. I adjusted the carb and it seems to be cooling better. before the electric fan would stay on until you started moving now it actually turned off sitting still.
Phil
I have my timing set at 10 degrees I tried using the vacuum guage but at max vacuum it is more than 20 degrees and it pings pretty bad. What is the best way to set the timing? I have bosch platinum plugs gapped at 36. I adjusted the carb and it seems to be cooling better. before the electric fan would stay on until you started moving now it actually turned off sitting still.
Phil
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: iowa
Hey putt my plugs are generally clean as can be. I have noticed that the plugs have blistered indicating they get hot. I may still have too much timing but i have limited it from where it used to be.
Well russ i really dont know know. The temp gauge reads ok but the exhaust side is just hotter than hell.
Heres a interesting tid bit. I am in college now and my book says a lower thermostat rating will not lower coolant temperature to any degree. The book says the the 160 thermostat and 180 will have the same engine temp after fully opened.
Well russ i really dont know know. The temp gauge reads ok but the exhaust side is just hotter than hell.
Heres a interesting tid bit. I am in college now and my book says a lower thermostat rating will not lower coolant temperature to any degree. The book says the the 160 thermostat and 180 will have the same engine temp after fully opened.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 938
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From: North Carolina
The thermostat regulates minimun operating temp, after the t-stat opens its up to the cooling system to keep it cool. It does indeed have a large effect. Just get a gauge and youll see im right.
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