New: overheat in traffic primarily

[Goodlife2007]

hey guys, new to your forums. Great so far. having a little trouble with 97 cobra in traffic mainly. Overheating, well not actually overheating but getting hot... going to m a and l in "normail c to h temp gauge in dash when in traffic. Just replaced water pump and thermostat. Vehicle has 46k miles. Runs fine otherwise. Coolant wasnt dark or dirty when drained for wp and thermo replacement.
thanks for the help guys
Rob

 

[Skud]

Wasn't there a TSB or recall regarding early modular cobras and overheating?

I think I vaguely remember reading something awhile ago..

Maybe someone else has the info..

Riley

 

[chuck943]

It was an owner notification program about the clip breaking allowing the cooling fan to move independently of the cooling fan motor, however the program expired march 31,2001.
Sounds like something to look at though.
But what u are describing sounds like it may be normal, if I remember correctly the cooling fan won't turn on until temp reaches around 210 to 213
The Owner notification program number was 00B43

 

[5.0's 4 ever]

It was tsb 96-25-12 and it was for the 96 year V8 mustangs. It included a new radiator, condensor, and cooling fan. My 96 cobra has not had the tsb done to it and mine will sit at the R in normal in traffic. I run a 160 deg thermostat and I have my SCT Xcal programmed to turn on my fan speeds 25 degrees earlier.

I would look to see if your cooling fan is working properly. If that checks out fine you should look into running a cooler opening thermostat instead of the stock version. Ford likes to run their vehicles pretty hot for optimal emissions control, in my opinion a little too hot.

 

[COramprat]

The stock thermostat should open at 190...which is about "R" or so in normal then the fan should cut on about 216 which is around the M. If it gets hotter in traffic then I'd suspect the fan but from what you describe it is pretty much normal.

 

[the98stang]

The stock gauge is WORTHLESS. Buy an autometer. She should run 190-200 in town, a little cooler on the highway.

 

[281CI96Coupe]

The only thing left you forgot was to replaced was the radiator!!!! it makes a big difference!! Fluidyne FTMFW!!!! it will bring those temps down

 

[COramprat]

The stock gauge is WORTHLESS. Buy an autometer. She should run 190-200 in town, a little cooler on the highway.

Suggesting a replacement is worthless advise at this point. If he had the opportunity to replace it I'm sure he would but he is dealing with what he has right now.



Goodlife...I've practically replace the entire cooling system in my car and the thing that helped most was a new fan. If your temps get worse you may want to try that.
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[the98stang]

Suggesting a replacement is worthless advise at this point. If he had the opportunity to replace it I'm sure he would but he is dealing with what he has right now.



Goodlife...I've practically replace the entire cooling system in my car and the thing that helped most was a new fan. If your temps get worse you may want to try that.
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How is it worthless? The OEM gauge might be faulty. Knowing the exact temp will help a great deal. If it's overheating and he's already replaced the water pump AND T-stat, there is most likely a coolant leak somewhere. Most likely from the radiator, intake manifold, or other coolant hose. An aftermarket coolant gauge is $30, which is a great investment.

 

[COramprat]

How is it worthless? The OEM gauge might be faulty. Knowing the exact temp will help a great deal. If it's overheating and he's already replaced the water pump AND T-stat, there is most likely a coolant leak somewhere. Most likely from the radiator, intake manifold, or other coolant hose. An aftermarket coolant gauge is $30, which is a great investment.

I'm talking short term though. He is looking for advise now...not go out and buy another gauge. That is all I meant. The stock gauge may not be as accurate as the Autometer but if it is all you have at the moment then that is what you have to rely on.