Hello all,

I have just installed a 1974 460 into my 1979 F350 4x4. I used L&L motor mounts and brackets. I am having a problem with temperature. Here is what I have done.

1. New water pump
2. New thermostat
3. New temp sender
4. New coolant
5. New, tight belts
6. New fan clutch
7. Reinstalled (after some custom notching) the fan shroud.

The radiator is the stock Ford Camper Special radiator (the large one…I think it was part of what was called the “super cooling package”). I had it rodded out a few years ago (read 30,000-40,000 miles). My temp gauge sits on the “L” of normal, and goes up at traffic lights and any hill.

Here is what might be wrong:

1. Fan too close to the radiator (1/2”-3/4” from the front of the clutch to the radiator, 2” pulse to the fan blades)

2. Fan shroud not working correctly because on new fan location (fan maybe set too far into the shroud, causing bad air flow)

3. Temp sender not installed into the correct port (I used the one just behind and right of the water outlet, maybe I need to use the one the right and just behind the distributor instead)

4. Radiator plugged (hope not)

Any suggestions on what to try next?

Dan

 

try flushing the cooling system...there is a Prestone kit at walmart for 6 bucks...install it and hook up a hose....it helped mine....

 

I'd check the radiator cap, the thermostat in a pan of heated water and timing.

 

are you using your fan shroud! and i've read many posts about the same thing when they have checked and rechecked everything and it boils down to the fan isn't pulling enough air through the radiator. C.J.

 

how many miles are on the motor, on my recent built 460, it ran around the m and the a all the time, and after about 250 miles, it started running around the o, maybe a reduction in friction? also try retarding your timing a little bit


1985 F-150/351Ho/c6/4wd~94,000 miles
1979 F-150extcab4x4/460/c6/6inchlift w/60rear44frnt (250 axles and springs)
37 inch boggers

 

My truck does the same thing and the only thing i dont have new is the water pump. But at 160 degrees the needle is between O and R so it might be the gauge playing with you. I just ordered a mechanical temp gauge from summit so i can see numbers instead of NORMAL. Try taking you radiator cap(When engine is cold) off and let it idle with a thermometer in the radiator and see what it says.
Hope this helps
Chase

1979 F-250 4x4
460 Holley650, MSD OFFROAD, Flex-a-lite fan
C6-B&M Transpack
Dana HD44Front/60Rear 3.73 Limited Slip
35 inch Goodyear Implement Tires
4 inch Skyjacker System

 

 

At first blush, with those new parts installed (and working properly), I wouldn't think you should have a overheating problem either. My doolie runs on the cool side (needle 1/4 from the cool side of the gauge) running unloaded, but when running up hill on the highway with the boat behind, the needle will move to the centerline position.

You should first verify if your dashboard temp gauge is reading properly. Sometimes they don't. Find, beg, borrow one of those hand-held "heat guns" and take some temp readings, preferably near the same location where your sensor is located. That may ease your concern.

I'm not sure, but are the temp sensors for those two model years exactly the same inernally/electrically? Maybe there is some electronic resistance difference that would cause the gauge to read incorrectly.

I know from experience on my Mustang, when I changed from the orig 195? stat to a 180 (inconjunction with underdrive pulleys), the guage read significantly cooler.

Chris
'88 F350 XLT Lariat CC DRW/7.5l/C6/4.10
'93 Mustang LX 5.0l/T-5/3.55's/Flo's/pulleys/K&N/Synthetics
Nissan p/u (DC commuter)
Volvo 940