272 V8 engine running hot
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
From: Hudson, OH
Hot
I recently solved my overheating problem. The PO had installed an engine fan incorrect for the engine rotation so it "pushed" instead of pulled. The Rad was also leaking. A correct engine fan wouldn't have solved the problem because the 302 sat so low in the engine bay that the fan was only about 2/3 on the radiator core. Couldn't get a bigger fan because the lower rad hose limited how big the diameter of the fan could be.
So, I got a new radiator, bought an electric fan with temperature control from FlexaLite and used it as my primary.
Problem solved for me.
So, I got a new radiator, bought an electric fan with temperature control from FlexaLite and used it as my primary.
Problem solved for me.
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 907
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City, Mo
Overheating
Radiator clogged, incorrect radiator for V-8, Fan belt loose, Missing fan shroud, incorrect fan, incorrect water pump,fan blades bent by PO, idles to slow, a/c or tranny radiators blocking air flow. Aft side pull elect fans are best, but you could ad a push elect fan in front of radiator if everything else is ok. Things to consider. Have a great day, chuck
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by RussellE
I have a 1956 F100 with a 272 V8 engine. I have a problem with it running hot. Has anyone had this problem and what did you do to fix it?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 117
From: Upper Left Coast
Right before I had my 292 completely rebuilt, I took it apart and noticed that the block (water jacket) was fairly clogged up with dirt/rust/sand/etc.
These engines are very old. Some people didn't flush engines and radiators very well in the "old days". And even then, flushing doesn't get it all out. If half of the radiator tubes are plugged, your radiator may only be 1/2 as effective.
A sticky thermostat could be the problem, but they almost never fail. (they do, just not often) If you suspect the thermostat remove it and stick it in a pan of water on the stove and see if(when) it opens. (do it when you wife is away and you won't get yelled at!)
Cheers,
Rick
These engines are very old. Some people didn't flush engines and radiators very well in the "old days". And even then, flushing doesn't get it all out. If half of the radiator tubes are plugged, your radiator may only be 1/2 as effective.
A sticky thermostat could be the problem, but they almost never fail. (they do, just not often) If you suspect the thermostat remove it and stick it in a pan of water on the stove and see if(when) it opens. (do it when you wife is away and you won't get yelled at!)
Cheers,
Rick
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
My 56 272 ran hot.....or so I thought. 
My factory guage is way off. I checked the radiator with one of those meat thermometers.
There is a procedure in the manual that tells how to test the guages with small batteries.
Just a thought, if you are looking at the guage like I did.
My factory guage is way off. I checked the radiator with one of those meat thermometers.
There is a procedure in the manual that tells how to test the guages with small batteries.
Just a thought, if you are looking at the guage like I did.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
This last weekend I thought my 272 was running hot out on the freeway. At least according to the temp gauge. When I got home I shot it with my infared temp gun. 182*
The dash gauge showed it way over passed the P in TEMP/ .
...../
.../
The dash gauge showed it way over passed the P in TEMP/ .
...../
.../
Last edited by Jag Red 54; May 4, 2007 at 04:37 PM.
