cooling problems

Today it is 38°F out and I was using the Jalopy to deliver some feed to a neighbor. On the way back, the stupid thing was overheating with the electric fan on. It did cool down eventually, but it took forever. I know during the summer, this thing will be a pain in the a$$, so I want to fix it now while I can. I have a 12" mechanical fan on the engine. Last summer, it didn't do it with a 15" fan. The radiator has the original core in it, so I'm thinking I should get it recored. Maybe my fan is too small? Also, is there a cooler t-stat I could put in the :v6:? It has a 160° one now. I don't want to swap out radiators with a new aluminum one. I like how this one is bottom mounted and makes for easy removal.

 

Are you sure the thermostat is working properly to begin with?

 

12" is much too small for a mechanical fan. Put in the largest one that will fit. Mine is 19 1/4". You didn't mention a shroud. If you do not have one, either make or find one that you can fit. My guess is that a good fitting one increases the cooling efficiency by around 40%, mainly from sucking air evenly through the entire core.

I don't think you want to go any cooler than 160 on the thermostat, and assuming the thermostat is working properly, you will not see any benefit-only worse mileage.

 

Also check to make sure your radiator cap is good.

 

Yes, something close to 14", but if I am not mistaken, all the V6's had fiberglass factory shrouds. Makes one hell of a difference.

 

Don't forget, I have major clearance issues with the lower radiator output. Right now, I have about 1 1/2" clearance between it and the fan. I feel very comfortable with that. I don't have a shroud around it, but I do have one that would work. I am going to replace the t-stat. The PO said he did something to it and, well, we all know how good some PO handy work is.

p.s. I was driving in 3rd high which is about 30-35 mph.

 

The t-stat is questionable. So that will be changed. The only thing I changed was the fan from when the tow bar dropped down and tweaked the frame. I had to go with a smaller one. I did have to plug up a hole on the lower output, so maybe there are some boogers inside there. Yep, coolant is all the same and 50/50 mix. No steam out of the exhaust. Never thought of looking to see if there are bubbles in the radiator...

 

A inexpensive lazer thermo from harbor frt can be very useful for diagnosing heating problems. helps look for hot or cooler spots.

 

160 might be too cool for it. not allowing the coolant to stay in the radiator long enough to cool it down.

 

I think I have it solved. My junk 3B appeared out of the snow and I yanked out the fan shroud. I modified it to fit the Jalopy's radiator. Today, I was going down the trail giving it a test run in 1st low and the outside temp. was 37° like when I first posted. It was running between 160-180° with no electric fan! Never would have done that before.

 

Rock Auto 1966 Ford Mustang 6 banger rad. less than $200.00 and is copper / brass.

 

When was the last time you flushed that radiator?
And maybe it needs to be rodded out.

 

That shroud should really help, especially with all that stuff out front of the radiator.

 

Today, I was trail clearing with a friend, and it was fine all day. In the middle part of the day when it was hottest, I needed the electric fan, other than that, I'm not worried.

I flushed it out pretty good when I took it out the first time to fix a hole and then again when I put the shroud on it.