I have recently replaced the radiator and water pump in my 351w bronco with 147k. Granted I live in south TX and it is over 100 degrees on a daily basis, but this truck is running hot and smells like coolant constantly. Could the temp. outside be the cause of this or is there something else I should look for. Today I am going to replace the thermostat and see if that makes a diff. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

KJ

 

Have you checked the Fan clutch, I believe that a windsor engine of that year would have one(mine does), and when you sit at stoplights and such in these hot summer days, the temperature likes to go up.
Hope this helps
Daniel

 

That is the 351W in my old 84 F-150 of course, but hey, an engine is an engine.

 

I have a high volume water pump and evey once in awhile it blows a seam in my heater core. That may be where you're smelling the coolant.

 

Check the top of your coolant reservor and see if it is wet. Sometimes mine splashes out of the cap. That is fairly common on the Broncos and more noticable on hot days. Good luck.

 

BE SURE YOU DONT HAVE AIR TRAPPED IN THE COOLING SYSTEM

 

my bronco (78 bronco ranger) runs hot too. only when idling in traffic and off road. try drilling a tiny hole (2mm) in your new thermostat (allows more flow) and add some redline waterwetter. this seems to help..........

 

I had a similar problem with my '88 5.0l and after changing the t-stat and rad cap it was still getting too hot. I read an article about checking the simple things first and decided to check my timing because I had to move the distributor to get to the t-stat bolt. After changing the timing and advancing it a few degrees, my truck is running cooler and I even seem to be getting better gas mileage and more power. Just a thought...

Jeff
'88 EB Bronco 5.0l

 

 

When my heater core went out it would put a constant coolant smell in the cab. Even though you don't use the heater it will still make its way into the cab. Check to see if your heater core needs changing.