71 overheating at idle only

I'm sure there's a better solution, the car should work properly without changes. However, here's a link to a cheap cooling system upgrade project.
It's an option.

Good luck

http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2003/02/electricfan/index.shtml

edit: are you running a fan shroud?

silly question, but do you have a fan shroud. you might be surprised on how effective those are at idle.

I had the same problem, and changing out everything didnt help. This past weekend I discovered that when the engine was at TDC, my distributor rotor was pointing to like the number 7 terminal. Apparently the previous owner installed the distributor wrong, and tried to correct his mistake by jumping the ignition wires over 1 terminal.

Well, I pulled the distributor, re-installed it correctly, connected the wires to their proper terminal, and guess what, she runs great and no longer runs hot. Amazing what correct ignition timing can do.

Get your engine to TDC, and remove your distributor cap to see where your rotor points, then take it from there.

I have the same problem and waiting in line at the 40th I thought I was going to overheat, but it stays about 210. I just remoted the trans. cooler with a stand alone unit in front of the radiator. Don't know yet if it is effective yet because the outside temp. is not as high as last week.