Running hot
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Running hot
I just (1 mo ago if that) got a 66 F100 Custom Cab with a 300 I6. It had been sitting for a year (the guy said he started it up once a month but obviously hadn't) and although it runs fairly smoothly and it is rather hot outside it runs at the top of the operating range and sometimes higher (I had to stop taking it out of town or I have to pull over once or twice and wait) I'm a broke kid and haven't gotten a manual yet because I have bills to pay. I know I have a few leaks at the the radiator cap but keep it full of coolant anyway so I don't think that's too much of a problem. I was thinking idle mixture screws but I don't know at what they should be set. If someone could tell me and/ or has any knowledge on what my thermostat is reading off of so I can see if it's working properly I would appreciate it greatly. Thanks.
-Lucy
-Lucy
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Lucy, Lets see if we can get you on a path to figure out what your problem is. First off, these old trucks have a large open frontal area and when moving usually don't run hot. They wont idle in the heat, but once moving they are ok.
You should have a 50/50 mix for coolant, and keep the full level down a couple inches for expansion. Does that sound about right for your truck?
John
You should have a 50/50 mix for coolant, and keep the full level down a couple inches for expansion. Does that sound about right for your truck?
John
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Yeah. I keep it a little over the top of the fins so I know it's full but it leaks from top of fins so there is no point in putting it an inch below the top like my owners manual says because I lose everything above the actual radiator. I'm thinking it might be a thermostat or engine problem because it says it's running hot and then I go though a few stop lights and it cools down which doesn't seem like a radiator problem to me but something else.
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No. I don't think so but I've always been on the interstate and don't jump out into traffic right away it runs at the top of the operating range never over in town, it only goes over at higher speeds.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Not sure, if there's a leak at the upper portion of the radiator then believe the engine is incline to run hotter. Not familiar with radiator 'stop leak' compounds, tend to believe it's a temporary fix and going to present problems. IMHO, better to either re-core, or replace sooner than later.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
OK, Sounds like the radiator may need replacing, but I wouldn't get overly concerned about the gauge reading until you learn the truck a little more.
I didn't say ignore, just monitor.
John
I didn't say ignore, just monitor.
John
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As far as fixing the radiator my boyfriend (who has old plymouths) has had luck with soddering leaks with the radiator in place and full of coolant I guess the trouble is now finding exactly where the leaks are and getting him to do it (I am NOT a good sodderer).
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From: Saratoga County, NY
Hi Lucy. I'm in the same boat as you. Bought my '64 a month ago and it's got the original radiator. I drove it 2.5 hours home and it ran fine on two-lane roads at 45-55, even with stoplights every mile or so at one point in the trip. But when I got it on the highway and attempted 65 mph for about 20 mins. it went from 185-degrees to about 215. I pulled over, let it cool down and headed home on a back road after that. I don't think these old trucks like to go fast for too long with that stock radiator. I think we need to upgrade our radiators, like John said, or just stay in town with the trucks. Welcome to FTE!
Last edited by Matt '64; Jul 29, 2010 at 12:15 PM. Reason: typo
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Hi Lucy. I'm in the same boat as you. Bought my '64 a month ago and it's got the original radiator. I drove it 2.5 hours home and it ran fine on two-lane roads at 45-55, even with stoplights every mile or so at one point in the trip. But when I got it on the highway and attempted 65 mph for about 20 mins. it went from 185-degrees to about 215. I pulled over, let it cool down and headed home on a back road after that. I don't think these old trucks like to go fast for too long with that stock radiator. I think we need to upgrade our radiators, like Bill said, or just stay in town with the trucks. Welcome to FTE!
John
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From: Saratoga County, NY
But your radiator isn't '60s-vintage, right? A new radiator is on my to-do list.
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-Lucy
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Never had a problem with the stock radiators, having said that; had an interesting experience and as a result will not purchase another aftermarket water inlet that uses the rubber 'O' ring. If shopping for radiators they are fairly interchangable just need to measure and note whether radiator has 'inner' and 'outer' mounts, took me couple trips to figure out the difference.