Big Problem...Please help.

[87MustangGT5.0]

Well my cousin has a 1989 Lx that he put a 87GT motor in with a 68 intake and a carb. He just replaced the Radiator with a stock replacement. He also put on a new aluminum water pump along with a 160 degree thermostat. He flushed the system and all that good stuff, and he still cant figure out why his car runs at about 195 degrees on a decent 80 degree day. Is there any cooling secrets I should know about?

 

[NKau]

First off, he should be running a 180 degree t-stat. Second, early mustangs had a reverse flow waterpump/radiator; if he's using an older waterpump, that would account for a lot of his problems. Don't think the intake should make a difference.

195 won't cause any problems, but it should certainly run cooler.

 

[90mustangGT]

What kind of fan setup? Runs 195 all the time, when moving, or when sitting?

 

[HISSIN50]

the stat rating would not bother me so much since he runs a carb, but.....

has the system been burped?
does the rad cap hold pressure?
does it run hot while stationary or while at speed? if the former, the fan is likely at fault and should be addressed. if it is while stationary, give specifics on the fan set-up.

good luck.

 

[87MustangGT5.0]

Uh he put a electric fan on it not too long ago, I will get the specs later tonight. Also it runs about 195 degrees both stationary and moving.

 

[86bluecobra]

electric fans do not cool as well as engine driven fans do. however that being said many many cars run electric fans with no problem like mine for instant. my temp does reach 200 degrees in stop and go traffic. have you ever tried installing purple ice or water wetter into the cooling system? it helps with an easy 10 - 20 degrees.

 

[87MustangGT5.0]

Nope, never tried it. That is why I started the thread to learn some tricks, thx.

 

[HISSIN50]

it is funny that it runs the same temps while stationary or moving. not being there, it almost sounds like the fan is not doing much of anything, and it is running off the radiator's cooling abilities.
to run that high over the stat rating and yet be consistant is unusual, IMHO. he is sure the fan comes on and turns the right direction?

while i think some of those cooling additives are nice, I would want to find the underlying issue. there is no reason a 160* stat'd car with a new radiator cant run cooler in 80* ambient temps. I would fix it and then run additives later if desired. otherwise when ambient temps get hotter......

good luck.

 

[87MustangGT5.0]

Thx guys, I will let him know the details from this thread and correct anything if its wrong, but thanks for your input guys.

 

[Ourobos]

Make sure his fan pulls through the radiator, not push. Will make a world of idfference.

 

[Sicarius428]

Does he have a fan shroud on his radiator? That can make a big difference to funnel the air through the radiator.
Kevin