Help Running Hot

[geno5.0]

Well we started to have some 90 degree weather out here and the stang has started to run hot????? never over heats but it is running to hot!! 220 240

I have pressure checked the system, no problems. I bought a new rad cap!!! My problem is only when I am going slow or sitting in traffic as long as I am moving 45 or faster it stays cool. I let the car run at Idle and the fan clutch seems to be working fine. I would not think it would be the Thermostat because it runs fine at all other times ? By the way I do have a Griffin Alu rad , I would think that would help. And a stock ford clutch and fan/shroud. Am I looking in the wrong spot or what ???? will water wetter help where do I look next???

[Ponycar_302]

Replace the thermostat. They only cost a couple of bucks. Drain, flush, and refill the system. I don't know what's causing it, that's just my .02.

[Grn92LX]

My problem is only when I am going slow or sitting in traffic as long as I am moving 45 or faster it stays cool.

Dead give away of a worn fan clutch. Replace it, its job is too help with cooling at idle/slow speeds. Might also wanna drain your coolant and replace it with fresh coolant too.

[Bad89stang]

Another vote for the fan clutch. While your at it, DO replace the thermostat as stated before. I use water wetter with about 20% coolant, the rest is water. I have the same radiator and mine is cool as a you can get. My electric fan rarely comes on.

[Coupe5oh]

I've had bad luck with clutch fans, thats just me, but imo, every stang should have come stock with an electric fan, i have a 160 stat, and my fan rarely comes on as well.

[geno5.0]

????? The fan clutch seems to be working could it still be worn? When I park it and rev the car or just sit there the fan does run?

[Coupe5oh]

It sounds as if your fan is working fine, but i thought mine was too, until it flew off, right through my radiator luckily i was close by my house, when it broke, i felt a gain in power too, mine was definately failing, but i didnt know it?

[geno5.0]

How much do the clutches cost and how hard are they to install?

I dont want to go electric because of cost?

Should I go with a 160 Stat?


Or should I go with a flex fan with no clutch?

[Grn92LX]

With the car off, rotate the fan and see if it has resistance when turning. It should have resistance. Dont put in a 160* stat, contrary to popular belief, cooler is NOT better. Optomal running temp is 195-200*. Keep the stock stat. Like I said you could flush your system out and run less antifreeze if u want. My buddy had the same problem as you, new fan clutch fixed it.

[geno5.0]

Well I got a fan clutch I will let ya know thanks!

[USMC302]

Something not mentioned, if you have aftermarket pullies on the wterpump pulley that came with them makes the pump turn slower than normal, switching back to the stock pulley on the water pump could be an option. My $.02

[Mr 5 0]

geno:

Replace the fan/clutch and try to get the Ford 'Police-Duty' model. It's about 20% better at cooling and costs around $100.

I've had one on my '90 LX for three years and it works beautifully after going through two factory fan cluch setups.

Easy installation but a little tedious. You have to use hand wrenches to get the old fan off and the new one on (a socket doesn't really fit in the tight space between fan and radiator) so it takes a little while but it's no big deal.

I wouldn't worry that much about the thermostat but if you have to drain the radiator anyway, might as well replace it. Get the stock 192-195 'stat, as recommended earlier.

I use a 30/70 antifreeze/water mix for the summer and I add a can of Water Wetter. Great stuff!

Hope the new clutch fan solves your problem.

[89 Cobra LX]

Originally posted by Mr 5 0
geno:
I wouldn't worry that much about the thermostat but if you have to drain the radiator anyway, might as well replace it. Get the stock 192-195 'stat, as recommended earlier.

I've been running the 160* stat for over a year now. Is this hurting performace?

I'll tell you this, my car never goes above the second tick mark from the bottom on my factory temp gauge! Even yesterday with our 90* weather.

[geno5.0]

You guys are outstanding!!!!!! I put in the new fan clutch at work
and the problem's fixed!!!! Thank for all the help!!!!

[89 Cobra LX]

Originally posted by 89 Cobra LX


I've been running the 160* stat for over a year now. Is this hurting performace?

Anyone?

[Grn92LX]

The 160* stat is keeping the car too cold which in turn, lowers engine efficiancy, increases emissions, and increases potential sludge build up. I run a Ford 190* stat, prp boys 3 core rad, hi flow pump and I run 195-200* on my autometer gauge. This is with al heads/cam/intake and underdrive pulleys. Get a stock stat and if you want better cooling, get a better rad and flush the system and run more water than antifreeze. maybe 30/70 or 40/60 mix.

[95mustanggt]

Not sure on the fox cars, but the computers in the SN95 5.0's are expecting so see a 195* T-stat. If you put in a cooler one the computer will run in "start up mod" and you will get poorer gas mileage and performance.

Use a 160* T-Stat only if you have an aftermarket chip that requires it.