running hot

[dagenham]

I have a '66 Mustang 200 that is all stock and a three core radiator and a 160 degree thermostat. If it is 90+ degrees out I may as well let the thing sit. It still gets a lot warmer than it should and dont even think about trying to start it while hot. I dont know what is left to do to this thing. The air cleaner is even so hot you can barely lay your hand on it. I'm sure this is a vapor lock problem but I dont know what else to do. The engine has been rebuilt also. Any ideas????

 

[BUZZ]

How old is the radiator? Is this a new problem or have you had it for a while? Are you sure your timing is right?

 

[CobraSix]

Definitely shouldn't be having those problems.

As Vann asked, how old is the radiator?

Have you checked the condition of your hoses? ARe they spongy or stiff?

Have you recently flushed your system?

Have you replaced the water pump?

 

[wallaka]

Have you put a real (muriatic acid) flush through the block? If everything else is new, that's a likely culprit. These things fill up with rust over the years.

 

[LaGrasta]

Could be as simple as a slipping belt. Get that pump pumping!
Maybe even low on coolant. Do you have an overflow bottle?

 

[fordconvert]

What kind of temps does it run at? Is the gauge stable or does vary? It should take 5-10 mins to get to its normal place and pretty much stay there. Extended idle on a hot day may creep up a bit. If your gauge fluxes around all the time you got other issues going on.

 

[grocery getter]

Also, check the timing and air fuel mixture.

 

[dagenham]

Everything is pretty new, including the rebuild on the engine. I was thinking about the water pump too. I dont remember if I replaced it when I rebuilt the engine or not.

 

[dagenham]

Everything is pretty new, including the rebuild on the engine. I was thinking about the water pump too. I dont remember if I replaced it when I rebuilt the engine or not. I forgot too mention the car has a/c.
I'm wondering if the condenser is blocking too much air.

 

[Stubby]

I think a lot of the AC cars had a six blade fan. They can be difficult to find and pricey.

Another thing you should do is check the actual water temp. Guages can lie.

I have also noticed that there is a big difference in location of sending unit. The factory senders are located at the back of the engine and if you install it at the thermostat it will read different.

 

[dagenham]

I was thinking about putting a temp gauge in to see what it actually reads in degrees instead of just cold to hot.
I did not know about a six blade fan on the sixes. It would make sense since the '68 Mustang I am restoring has factory a/c and I think it does have a six blade fan.

 

[fordconvert]

The IR gun temp probe things are getting pretty cheap now and they are handy for all sorts of things. With one of those you can check and calibrate your factory gauge.