Do 65 Mustangs always run hot?

kefta4ever

New Member
Jul 29, 2018
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La Mesa, CA
Hi, we changed the radiator on my sons 65 Mustang, Its aluminum. My son says the car always run above the middle and high when idling for a while. I know the cooling system is working and we just replaced all the fluid. I looked for a larger radiator but did not find one that fits. Besides I already put the new one in. Is that just the way they run or is something wrong?

65 Mustang, 289.
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Yes they do. Make sure your thermostat inside the gooseneck is a 189 or 190. 160 opens too frequently and causes heat build in the radiator. also install some kind of recovery jug if you don't have one. Two months ago I added a 16" electric fan to the front side (the side I can see in your picture) with a fan and Haynes fan controller. The customer is always in parades driving slow or stuck in stalled traffic in his overgrown town. He wasn't getting the additional air flow that you get at normal cruising speed. He said it helped a lot at slow speeds. I hope this helps !
 
Thank you very much for the reply. You wouldn't happen to have a link to the fan you are speaking about? The recovery jug is installed, I'll check the book of invoices to see if it gives the thermostat #. As you stated the real problem is city driving in traffic. My son bought it as an everyday driver, and although he takes good care of it, I'm sure problems will arise, and he is quickly becoming a mechanic.
 
Here is one with a controller. I havn't ever used this particular type of controller but I noticed the sensor would thread into the pipe thread hole on your gooseneck where a pipe plug currently exists. It will just fit between the radiator and hood latch support. You have to take out the radiator, place the fan in the space for it. Replace the radiator, then attach to it. Wire it to push (blow) through the radiator towards the engine. Leave the stock belt driven fan in place. It's worth a shot. link below:
Fan & controller
Take pictures of your install and post a new thread on STANGNET !
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I kind of think the new gaskets must have somthing to do with this . My old 66 fast back never over heated ,i ran a 160 thermostat . If i ran a 180 it would get a bit warm . I went through a car show with it idleing for a good 20 minutes ,i could see hoods poping up behind me but mine always stayed around 180 . I used the print seal gaskets from felpro ,i think the new gaskets are designed for the newer 5.0 and water doesnt flow through the block like the older motors would
 
Talking about head gaskets, you have to make sure that the steam holes in the block align with the holes in the gasket and the holes in the head, especially if you are running aftermarket heads for a newer 302. If you're aftermarket heads do not have the holes, you must drill them.

Next, I cannot tell from the pictures if you are running a good fan shroud or not. The shroud is critical especially with a mechanical fan.

Lastly, do a search for Taurus fans. Very common upgrade that I am doing right now on a 65 Mustang with a very healthy 289 is to upgrade to the Ford Taurus electric fan assembly. You can also use the Ford contour fan assembly. Just do some reading. You will most likely have to upgrade your alternator to 100 amp plus if you have not already.