160 Thermostat

[ponyboy14]

Hey Guys

Just installed a 160 t-stat in my 200 and switched to a 5-blade flex fan off of a Fairmont. Runs fine now at about 185-190 for about 15 minutes and then she shoots up to 220-225 and won't come back down even on the interstate. Anyone ever run into this? Will gladly except any solutions or ideas on the problem. Possible air lock???

 

[WhitePony]

Yep, very possible. I'd drill a small 1/8th inch or so hole in the T-stat at the top.

 

[cfmustang]

Verify your timing. You can see behavior like this when your timing is too far retarted.

I was having a similar problem even after installing a 3-row radiator. It turned out my hamonic dampner had slipped 10 degrees over the years and when my TDC mark said I was at 13*, I was really at 3*.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I had overheating problems with my Mustang after replacing the head and thermostat. I followed the advice to drill a 1/8 hole in the flange of the thermostat and the problem was solved. Try it you'll like it.

Bob

 

[Mustangaroo]

Have you checked for a blown head gasket? Do you have milky oil? OR Water or coolant smell from the tail pipe? If your raditor is not pluged up then I would check for a blown headgasket!

 

[jim reese]

I have a 250 in my 1969 mustang and have tried everything to solve this heating problem. I finally drove about 40 miles to get it "hot" and then stopped removed the radiator cap and with the car running stuck in a thermomentor and it read 192-195 degrees, the radiator flow looked good. The gauge on the dash, the original, was nearly pegged to the hot side. I looked for a head gasket leak, also looked to see if the overflow was spilling out(nope), checked for shorts to the gauge, replaced the sending unit, replaced the thermostat, I have been monitoring the coolent level(not losing any), checked for oil contamination and coolent contamination.

Clearly the engine is not that hot so I may install a new gauge on the top of the column just so I feel better as I have never seen a replacement for the original dual gas/temp gauge. Have I missed anything... ?

Jim

 

[ponyboy14]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am going to try drilling a hole in the t-stat. Hopefully that does the trick. I know the radiator isn't plugged, I flushed it when I took it out to change the fan blade. I am praying it isn't the head gasket. I haven't even put 500 miles on the car since the rebuild.

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Ponyboy14:

FYI- a 160 thermostat is designed to open at 160 degrees. The engine will continue to heat up to it's normal operating temperature. YOu may need a 180 for wintr in Iowa to get the engine to efficient operating temp.

And- Flushing and/ or back-flushing will not unplug plugged tubes. The top has to be removed and each tube poked through with a rod.

Other things to check-
*make sure the lower rad hose has the spring inside to keep it from collapsing and cavitating.
*Make sure your radiator cap is holding pressure.

Good luck and be sure to report back what worked.

Adios, David