68 overheating
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Cross-Country
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From: rockford
68 overheating
HELP!!! I've got a 68 ranger 360 2bbl auto. calif truck with 68k. I've had the truck for about 5 years and its been in the garage for the last 3 because I can't get it to cool. I've put on the following, new heads, water pump, radiator, and dist. I love this truck and have two other "project trucks" and am fed up with throwing $$$ at the 68 if I cant solve this it's going on the block. ANY suggestions will be welcome. thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Greater Austin, Texas
68 overheating
Could you describe the problem in more detail? WHEN does it overheat? Is it when idling or out on the road? Some of these trucks will overheat while idling if you do not have a fan shroud (I know, mine is one of them).
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Cross-Country
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From: rockford
68 overheating
It runs over 200 deg. all the time and is of course worse in slow traffic. It did'nt have a shroud but I added one and also tried a five bladed alum. fan all to no avail. I haven't driven the truck in three years and its a shame to not have it on the road. I'm at the point of just replacing the engine!!!!!!
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
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68 overheating
First, check that you don't have the timing retarded,
Second, check that you're not running lean,
Third, check the thermostat is opening at the correct temp,
Fourth, check the flow through the radiator,
Fifth, if all these check out, take that engine out back and shoot it...
Steve & the Rockette
'63 F100
'68 F100
'72 Capri 2L
'73 Capri 2.6L V6
'73 MG B GT 2.6L V6(Ford)
'98 Contour SVT 2.5L V6 (Mods)
'01 ZX2 (No Mods yet)
Second, check that you're not running lean,
Third, check the thermostat is opening at the correct temp,
Fourth, check the flow through the radiator,
Fifth, if all these check out, take that engine out back and shoot it...
Steve & the Rockette
'63 F100
'68 F100
'72 Capri 2L
'73 Capri 2.6L V6
'73 MG B GT 2.6L V6(Ford)
'98 Contour SVT 2.5L V6 (Mods)
'01 ZX2 (No Mods yet)
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Cross-Country
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: rockford
68 overheating
done the timing thing, rebuilt the carb, put in a 180 deg thermostat that I checked out in a pan of heated water first. I still lean towards the timing, but I've checked it so many times, oh well you know!!!!! I'd like to keep the original engine, but a injected 5.0 is sounding real good at this point. Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Las Vegas
68 overheating
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Feb-02 AT 06:14 PM (EST)]How many rows are in your Radiator core? I replaced my three row with a four row on my '68 390 and that helped a LOT. I still have yet to add the shroud but that will be soon. Here in 'Vegas things get a bit toasty when sitting at traffic lights.
Hawkeye
Hawkeye
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 602
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From: Huntersville
68 overheating
Could you by chance have a reverse rotation waterpump? If nothing else try an electic pusher fan in front of radiator. I used one on my 71 until I could find a shroud, it seemed to work pretty good. What about running a 160 degree thermistat? Is your radiator cap good?
Food for thought.
Clint
Food for thought.
Clint
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Cross-Country
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From: rockford
68 overheating
I'll have to check on the rows in the rad. The cap is the correct pressure and as far as I know they didn't start with reverse water pumps until the advent of serpentine belts, a few years after 1968.
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Joe Kucinski
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68 overheating
Rick, I didn't see where you said it was boiling water. It could be just a bad guage. If it isn't pushing water, you may be overly concerned. My guage stays on about 170º all the time, and I am running everything new. 
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John
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In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
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In the cool still quiet of night, you can hear chevies rusting away.
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Cross-Country
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From: rockford
68 overheating
John, it dosn't boil the water out, and I've replaced the orig. gauge with a mechcanical aftermarket one, but it is a cheap one. I also believe this to be the reason I keep blowing exhaust gaskets. thanks Rick
