94 Running Hot

zap-o-matic · Aug 2, 2011

Ok guys here's the situation. I am needing some kind of setup to keep my 94 cool. I know there are other forums out there for this, but I am running a 351C in mine so clearance is a big issue. The fan+shroud cannot be any larger than factory because it simply will not fit. Right now I am running the factory shroud and a 3000CFM fan and it does good on the road, but heats up in traffic, and at red lights. I have a aluminum radiator and even did an old dirt track trick, where you drill 3 holes in the thermostat, which did help but not enough to make me feel at ease in traffic. Any suggestions on something that is as small, if not smaller than stock?
Thanks!
P.S. I tried someone's advice on using a Tarus fan, but it was to large.

HISSIN50 · Aug 2, 2011

The Taurus fan moves about the same amount of air as the stock fan anyways.

If you could trim and make it fit, a Viper fan or Mark VIII fan might help. Even trimmed, the latter is thick, which could be a problem depth-wise. Without seeing pics of the set-up or knowing exactly how hot the car is running, it's tough to make suggestions. The stock fan should have held up ok. Is it set to come on earlier than the stock settings (which are quite high)? Is it cutting out?

revhead347 · Aug 2, 2011

Put a Mr. Gasket high flow thermostat in there and see if that helps. Of all the things I did to my car to make it run cooler, that made the biggest difference.

Kurt

toyman · Aug 2, 2011

As noted , without any indication of where "hot" is on a thermometer, not much can be suggested. Hard numbers are needed. If you are relying on the dash gauge you need to rule out a bad ground or perhaps a bad sender or the gauge itself.

zap-o-matic · Aug 3, 2011

My idea of hot is 190+......this is a carbureted car so I don't like to let it get any hotter than that. The stock fan was running great, and I actually had it just running all the time (haven't put anything on it to kick it on/off with temp yet). I am using a new aftermarket temp gauge so there shouldn't be anything going on with it. I am also using I believe a 160 thermostat, which to my knowledge is the coolest one you can get (without special order?), but I may be wrong.

Thanks revhead i'll have to try one of those.

HISSIN50 I'll try in get a pic of how much room I have between the pulleys and fan.

We have had countless Cleveland motors before and they are prone to run hot, but not nearly as hard to keep cool. My Galaxie with a Cleveland usually runs about 160 on the road, unless its a cool day and then it usually only runs about 170-175. Even my dads Mustang with a 377 Cleveland stroker only runs about 170 on the road.

zap-o-matic · Aug 3, 2011

any chance that the factory shroud isn't letting enough air pass through it? I figured with a 3000cfm puller fan it wouldn't be a problem, but maybe a possibility?

HISSIN50 · Aug 3, 2011

Agreed with the t-stat suggestion - it sounds like you're not real sure what temp or flavor is in there right now.

Are your ambient temps real hot lately? When it gets over triple digits, the stock fan can have issues keeping idling and in-town temps under 200*F.

zap-o-matic · Aug 3, 2011

It is a 160, had to look through the receipts just to make sure.

The temp is usually in the low-mid 90's this time of year, but it was doing it in the mid 80's too after driving a bit and getting into traffic. Here are some pics of the clearance I have.......they aren't too good, I work 3rd shift and it rained all day today so I didn't get to snap any pics until late this afternoon, but they will give you an idea.
<a href="http://s1030.photobucket.com/albums/y362/zap-o-matic/?action=view&current=100_0968.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1030.photobucket.com/albums/y362/zap-o-matic/100_0968.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
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351CSleeper · Oct 11, 2011

I have a 1994 too. I noticed on mine that there might supposed to be a flap from the front bumper to the radiator support that might be missing. My 1998 F150 has a flap that seals off the radiator to the grill area. I think this would increase the velocity through the radiator on the mustang. I have not been able to find a part number or even if there is supposed to be one there. I notice that the previous owner might have scraped it loose on the radiator support over a curb or something like that.
I feel like this flap would keep the air from escaping under the radiator. Let me know what you think.

HISSIN50 · Oct 11, 2011

There is an air dam under the radiator support. It creates a low pressure area behind the coil and helps physically direct air through the coil.

351CSleeper · Oct 11, 2011

HISSIN50,
would you happen to have a pic of one? It seems like someone who doesn't know what it was for would easily toss it. The car I have was an original V6. I disassembled the engine and found that the heads were surfaced and then sometime later the bottom end wiped the rod bearing I think was do to the overheating situation. The front facia seems like it is restrictive and having this piece would force the air through the radiator instead of allowing it to escape below it.

JJ95GTID · Oct 11, 2011

1994-04 Mustang Radiator Air Deflector by Ford at LRS - Same Day Shipping!

I got one but it didn't help much with my cooling problems.

I took out my Mishimoto radiator and put the stock one back in and it seems to be doing much better.
Don't read too much into that though as I know it has a leak and can't hold pressure. The Mishimoto radiator that is.

Still gets warm when it is over 90* outside gut below that it is back to normal.

I believe that the plastic piece that goes over the headlights and across the front may need to be put back on. Just need to find it.

And, since reading this thread I am seriously thinking of putting one of those higher flowing thermostats on mine.

HISSIN50 · Oct 12, 2011

Thanks Joe.

FWIW Sleeper, people rip those air dams off on speedbumps and curbs. You'll need the attachment kit or rig up your own.

Back to your earlier post, there is also rubber to help direct air flow through the coils (as you noted/surmised).

Joe's right about the upper radiator cover. It also helps some folks a little bit.

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