170ci Overheated my 170

[dydaktix]

Was driving on the freeway when suddenly the car started driving funny. Fordomatic 2 speed didn't wanna shift, and then the car started losing power so i pulled over. Steam/smoke coming out of the valve cover cap, and coolant coming out of the radiator cap. What might have happened? I've made this trip times in the past without any issue; I'm worried I blew a head gasket, how would y'all diagnose it?

 

[drag-200stang]

When was the last time you checked the water level, engine oil level and trans. fluid level?

 

[dydaktix]

When was the last time you checked the water level, engine oil level and trans. fluid level?

They were all fine before I went out today. :\

 

[Cool23]

Was the day hotter than usual? Do you carry coolant or water with you?

 

[78_200_C4]

The thermostat may have not opened.
Take it out or replace it then then go for a test drive.

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, and check the fan belt. Good luck

 

[65coupei6]

What type of radiator cap? The cap just could have been bad. Easiest fix first then go from there.
Change the cap fill the radiator to 1 inch below the neck and see what happens.

 

[78_200_C4]

If a Load'O'Matic vacuum advance unit goes out. The timing going down the freeway will be at the initial setting.
This will cause the engine to overheat. Your exhaust manifold may glow red hot.

 

[My63Comet]

Any updates yet as to what caused it????

 

[Soldmy66]

You might also check the vacuum line to the transmission. If they crack/break, the engine will not shift properly.

 

[powerband]

Steam/smoke coming out of the valve cover cap, and coolant coming out of the radiator cap.

- look for bubbles in radiator or coolant or milky mayo in oil to determine. > head gasket blewy very possible

maybe time for 'valve job' and new head gasket, definitely chk/repalce thermo and check hoses for softness/collapse.

(mechanical temp' gauge is inexpensive and simple install -oil press.' handy too)

hav e fun

 

[clochard68]

(mechanical temp' gauge is inexpensive and simple install -oil press.' handy too)

hav e fun

Where do you install the temperature gauge?
Do you mean with the radiator hoses or where the temp gauge sensor is at the back of the cylinder head?

 

[powerband]

replacing the OEM "idiot lite" sensor at rear of head with mechanical gauge sensor is simple enuff' but to add the mechanical with sensor at front hoses or outlet is better but takes more work.



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hav cool fun

 

[bubba22349]

You can also use a T Fitting if you want to run both the Light, Factory Dash Cluster Gauge along with a good Aftermarket Gauge for comparing them witch is what I usually do.

 

[427John]

Being the long ass head of a six cylinder, with an overheat I would get one of those combustion gas test kits for the coolant and check it, if the head gasket is blown then it becomes a chicken or the egg thing. The advice on the crap o matic distributor is good and easy enough to check with a hand vacuum pump, retarded timing will easily overheat an engine that doesn't have an overabundance of cooling capacity.

 

[clochard68]

You can also use a T Fitting if you want to run both the Light, Factory Dash Cluster Gauge along with a good Aftermarket Gauge for comparing them witch is what I usually do.

Bubba, do you know the thread size? Is it an NPT or straight pipe? (I have no access to the head to check atm)

 

[chad]

not sure but I see this as one in the same:
"...Is it an NPT or straight pipe?..."
national pipe thread is straight pipe thread

'S ok tho as he aint been around fora month~

 

[drag-200stang]

NPT is tapered and NPS is straight.

 

[chad]

Ahhh...
all my "brass" (what I stuff in my head 4 air, fuel or gassoline) is of 1 thread pitch, 1 or 2 dia, and
what I found in construction trades for pipe. 8^ ) Thank U drag !

 

[bubba22349]

Bubba, do you know the thread size? Is it an NPT or straight pipe? (I have no access to the head to check atm)

Those are a NPT fitting.