Overheating at rest
 

Agghhh that age old problem of overheating. If I sit for more than 3-4 minutes in warm weather the temp gauge starts it's migration to meltdown. While this would appear to be an easy problem to fix, it's solution has eluded me for over two years. Currently the car is running a FoMoCo 8500-C 3 row aluminum radiator (3 times the surface of the original), a Meziere 55GPM Electric Water Pump, a Black Magic 15in (2800CFM) fan, and Propylene Glycol Coolant (far better heat transfer). The fact that it occurs at rest usually points to a flow problem (air or water), however with the current setup it probably flows more than the stock items did at 40MPH. I don't believe there's an obstruction in the block as it was set up professionally (DSS short block). The Glycol is not contaminated as the block has been water free since it was set up. I installed a 140 Amp alternator and oversize battery, so the juice to the fan and water pump doesn't drop as the engine idles. I have tried several different combo's for thermostat (180 - 160 - none) and will try a restrictor plate as soon as Jeg's gets around to sending it. The only other non-stock item is the heater is disconnected. The bypass hose doesn't look kinked, but I'm having one made up that is a perfect half circle of the proper size. I'm hoping one of you can think of something I've overlooked. It's really embarrassing to sit in line for registration at the drags and have to constantly fire up and shut down the engine while moving forward, but it's either that or push the car forward which is worse -- Aggghhh

Re: Overheating at rest
 

first off, it that the stock gauge? cuz they suck.....

i have no experiance w/ Propylene Glycol Coolant so I dont know if that could be a problem.......

could the fan be too small for your application? maybe a duel fan? or maybe a pusher and puller fan, one on each side of the radiator? what type of engine u trying to cool? must be serious.........

Re: Overheating at rest
 

i second the stock guage question...

Also, do you have the proper gage wire running your fan and your water pump? If the wire is too small, it won't carry as much current and your fan/pump won't turn as fast.

Also, what diameter is the fan? Are you running a shroud too?

Have you ever thought of just putting a stock waterpump in place just to see if it makes a difference?

good luck,

-Drew

Re: Overheating at rest
 

I was thinking fan, ever put the stock mechanical one back on? Bonus on the gauge though, hadnt thought of that.

J

Re: Overheating at rest
 

Programmable Management System , Is it running to lean at idle ?

Re: Overheating at rest
 

One other note is the timing set slow, My old carbed 460 will run about 20-30 deg hotter in the summer if the timing is to slow and will get hot at an idle. Thats with a 4 core super duty radiator, and big 8 blade fan. With the timing set at 14-16 deg it never heats up. Just trying to help here, I may be totaly off here.

Re: Overheating at rest
 

I think it's the electric water pump. It could be pumping your coolant mixture too fast through the radiator without sufficient cooling time. Just my .02

Re: Overheating at rest
 

pumping water "too fast" will not overheat an engine. If that were true, then it would be going just as fast through the engine, and not getting as much "heating time"

The most effective means of heat transfer is convection, where there is a fluid or gas moving over a surface, and the faster it goes, the BETTER the heat transfer. Since the fluid in this case would be moving faster, it would effectively be removing more heat.

Re: Overheating at rest
 

Absolutely the fan.
The fact that your motor is fine at speed vs. at idle where the only difference is airflow over the engine.
Your fan simply isn't moving enough air and/or it's not shrouded.
My .02
Good luck

Re: Overheating at rest
 

Well, I think the votes are in. I thought 2800 CFM was a lot and apparently it isn't. If I could I'd install the Lincoln Mark VIII electric fan (5000 CFM). Unfortunately it's 6 inches thick and I'm working with 3 1/2. The next best I could find is a Derale 16928 (dual 13in at 4000 CFM). This is most likely the route I'll take unless someone knows of one that is as thin 3.19in and higher CFM. I want to thank all the folks who were kind enough to provide suggestions. I'll let you know how it worked out the next 90* day..... :p

Re: Overheating at rest
 

I have a brand new Ford electric fan that I have had for over a year in the garage that I'm willing to let go of. I'll get you the part number if you want.
Good luck...

Re: Overheating at rest
 

I think this, but in reverse. The electric pumps usually dont flow what the belt ones did. I think, you get a nice belt one, it will go away.

Here are some other topics on overheating:

http://www.turbomustangs.com/forums/...ht=overheating

http://www.turbomustangs.com/forums/...ht=overheating

http://www.turbomustangs.com/forums/...ht=overheating

http://www.turbomustangs.com/forums/...ht=overheating