I recently installed a 1977 460 c.i.di v-8 in my 1986 F-250 (replacing the original 302).
It was quite a challenge, but I am very pleased with the results except for the temperature
problem.

I have replaced the radiator(with a new, higher capacity unit); I've replaced the water pump,
fan (installed 19 inch flex-type with spacer), radiator cap, and thermostat.
I eventually removed the thermostat altogether. The overheating still exists.

The chassis-design would not allow me to lower the front of the engine enough to get it perfectly
level and allow enough clearance for removing the oil filter.

Could this 2 to 2 1/2 inch incline be the cause of the overheating problem?

Temperature is 180-185 at highway speeds, but icreases rapidly in traffic to "boilover".

I would appreciate any tips you may have.

Thanks.
Charles

 

The incline of the engine probably has nothing to do with the overheating, but to seat the engine properly in the chassis...purchase a "oil filter adapter" from Ford part #M-6880-A50. ($45.00) or better yet get the remote oil filter kit part #M-6881-C100. ($70.00) Also did you get the engine from a car? if so you may need to change the oil pan to fit the truck...the correct pan is a rear sump part #M-6675-A460. Now for the radiator, the 460 requires a lot of cooling, you'll need a radiator that is equivalent to what Ford puts in a truck. If it was me I'd buy a heavy duty used one out of a later model wrecked truck, have it hot tanked and bolt it in. Leaving a thermostat out can actually make the engine run hotter since the water passes to quickly through the block to absorb heat, I'd put it back in. You can also buy "water wetters" (a liquid adative) from auto parts stores that help cool but are no substitute for the right radiator. I have used the addatives in my race cars and tow truck and have seen about a 10 degree temp drop. There are other things that can cause overheating such as too much timing advance, etc. but my bet is not enough radiator. Hope this helps, Deen.

 

Being in the Desert of southern calif, and driving tow trucks all the time, I have a little experence with overheating.

1st did you reinstall the proper fan shroud?

2nd replace that flex fan with a 5 or 7 blade fan with a heavy duty thermal fan clutch.

3rd reinstall the proper themostat 195 degree.

4th Check your timing and make sure it is set properly.

Also do you have the right carb for this motor? If you installed a carb from a different motor, it may be running too lien causing it to overheat.

Advise.

Dave