overheating

[Anonymous]

well i had the joy of watching my car overheat today. it was 80 degrees out and traffic was unusually bad. what are a few things I can do to help my engine to run cooler? I will need to replace the radiator at some point fairly soon, but in the mean time any tips?

also
i noticed that there is no spring in the lower rad hose? is that a big issue?

 

[jahearne]

Cut out the center of the thermostat or remove it altogether. That's just for the meantime during the warmer months until you get the radiator replaced. It worked fine in my old '65 401 Electra.

Or take your windshield wiper pump and rig up a copper tubing to squirt water over your radiator. I had to do that to my highschool car, a '72 Triumph GT6; worked great! That had one of the best inline sixes I ever drove in a euro car.

 

[gtm1086]

Replace both upper and lower radiator hoses. New T-stat and check your timing. Retarded timing will cause these little sixes to over heat

 

[JackFish]

what are a few things I can do to help my engine to run cooler?

Turn your heater on.
But I guess at 80 degrees out there, that's not the ideal solution! But if she's about to boil over in traffic...
Have you checked the condition of your coolant?
Is there a fan shroud? My car didn't have one and I put one in for safety reasons. I had to remove it this winter though, it was too cool. :santa;

 

[Anonymous]

both rad hoses are new, i just noticed that there was no spring thing in the lower, I have a 160* thermostat that i need to install. thanks for the tip about the timing I will check it tomorrow, shroud is a good idea, anybody know where i can get one?

I figure i want to get any overheating problem sorted out now before it get hot this summer.

Thanks

 

[65coupei6]

Here ya go:

http://65coupei6.mustangindex.com/cooling.html

 

[MustangSix]

When everything is working correctly, the standard two row radiator is more than enough to cool the little six. If you live in an extreme climate and have AC, you might need the three row. An overheating problem means something has failed.

Usually, the cause is a clogged radiator. Keep in mind how old these engines are and how much rust and scale is in them. It can come loose and block the passages causing overheating.

Check for a failed thermostat. Buy a good one like a Stewart or Robertshaw. They might cost around $10, but it will flow better and and operate more consistently than a $3.99 cheapostat.

Colapsed lower hoses are a problem on some cars at higher speeds. If the hose is soft, replace it and get a version that has a spring inside.

Flex fans, electric fans, shrouds, etc....they all enhance cooling, but if the stock system cannot cool your stock engine, you have other problems you need to fix first.

 

[addo]

According to my research and Agent 006, Robertshaw no longer make thermostats. Kind of a bummer, because everyone says to get one. The Stant ones I got with NAPA packaging were nicely made, especially the premium ones.

Regards, Adam.

 

[Anonymous]

mine was a too tight belt....which eluded us after checking everything else...plus, I had my radiator flush. boy was it crudy

 

[Anonymous]

I checked the timing it was a 12* advance right where i left it when i put in the DSII, I know i need a new radiator as the one i have is in bad shape, but i was hoping to get away without replacing it right now as all my money is going to other projects.

I don't have a problem with overheating at high speeds, so i am not too worried aobut the hose. I will pick up a new belt and install it along with the thermostat. I will flush the rad at the same time hopefully this will help.

Thanks

 

[69Falcon]

If its a new rad you need, i recommend radiator.com. I picked up a stock 2 row for my Falcon for $199 delivered.

 

[ludwig]

If the radiator is still good, have it boiled out at a radiator shop. I watched them do it to mine and the rust and debris just poured out with the pressure rinse.
It's relatively cheap and really helps, especially with the two row radiator.

Just make sure they don't paint it for you. They use this gooey black paint that never hardens and won't come off.

While the radiator is out you can do a little block flushing yourself at home. Chase out the mice and dead crickets.

 

[jamyers]

According to my research and Agent 006, Robertshaw no longer make thermostats. Kind of a bummer, because everyone says to get one. ....

Yup, but that "balanced-flow" design is still available through Summit (also Advance and O'Reilly auto parts stores) under the Mr. Gasket ($9) and Milodon ($11) brands, and I'll bet they're all made at the same factory.

Mr.Gasket part numbers for Ford Sixes, and nearly every other real engine:
4363 = 160 Degree F
4364 = 180 Degree F
4365 = 195 Degree F

 

[65coupei6]

When everything is working correctly, the standard two row radiator is more than enough to cool the little six. If you live in an extreme climate and have AC, you might need the three row. An overheating problem means something has failed.

 

[kirkallen143]

If its a new rad you need, i recommend radiator.com. I picked up a stock 2 row for my Falcon for $199 delivered.

www.mustangsunlimited.com has 3-rows for about the same price delivered.

Kirk

 

[66200i6]

First things first. Find a Rad Shop that has a flow bench. Each of these Rad designs has a Spec that requires a mimimum flow at pressure. This will show if your tubes are open.

Check each part like this, one part at a time. It is a good education and it's cheaper.

Good luck, Ric.

 

[Anonymous]

If its a new rad you need, i recommend radiator.com. I picked up a stock 2 row for my Falcon for $199 delivered.

www.mustangsunlimited.com has 3-rows for about the same price delivered.

Kirk

Or eBay for about $135 (edit)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1960-66- ... 8921QQrdZ1

 

[Eat2surf]

If ya go for a 3-row radiator, make sure you have clearance with your fan.

I've heard 3-rows are too tight if you're stock.

I too am in the middle of a overheating dillemma.. but just at the beginning.. luckily we're moving from this 100+ degree hole and back to the ocean.. yeah!!

Dave

 

[Anonymous]

yeah, got this sorted out a while ago. new 160* tstat +flushing the rad and all new coolant seemed to do the trick. it will still get hot if I am stuck in traffic or somthing like that, but not as bad as it used to be.

I have almost no fan clearance as it is so I will be keeping the 2row.