Happiest Man on the Block

[351carlo]

Well guys, if I'm not the happiest, I've sure got the coolest car. Got my '70 Grande delivered yesterday. Friend of my father's had owned it for a while, but never did much to it. (Great guy and deals with Mustangs in Delaware if anyone's nearby) I picked the thing up for 4500, and it came with new radiator, water pump, seat upholstery (Front and Rear), Magnum rims, BFG T/A's, dash, and many other odds and ends. It's still plagued with the usual resto stuff (small details like knobs and such), but I feel it was well worth it.

However, I figured since I have a few concerns, you would be the guys to ask.

1) It's running hot. With the old radiator it would run for about 30 mins and pour out the overflow. New radiator it doesnt however it does stay pretty warm. I was running the 195 thermostat, and decided it may have been the problem. Removed that and ran without a thermostat. It ran cooler, but still towards the hot side (and not slightly, pretty much centered on 3/4 over). Now I just put the new Temp Sending unit in, but doubt it's that. Any ideas?

2) Idle. Anyone have the vac diags? I'm almost positive its the vacuum lines, just because it also cuts out when I stomp it (Only done to test, believe me I'm not trying to race this thing yet).

Thanks for the help guys. Oh and a few details on it. It's a 351 Cleveland Grande from 1970. 3 speed auto transmission, and I think it's got the 9 inch rear (anyone verify this?). Great condition for its year, just the usual odds and ends. Paint was redone in an alright fashion, but looks great from distance. Not much else to say really. Thanks in advance.

Carlo

 

[BigDaddyCee]

Congratulations on your new car, I know you will have lots of fun with it. Somethings to check are your lower rad hose, the big one from engine to rad. If it is old and weak they can sometimes collapse when hot and under pressure thus obstructing flow in the system. Do you have a fan shroud in place? They are highly recommended. Also check your timing if it is late then it could be causing some overheating. Check all your belts to see they are all OK. Check you mixture with an antifreeze tester. I wouldn't recommend going without a thermostat for too long. Maybe try a 180' thermostat. Good luck.

 

[351carlo]

Thanks.

I'll have to check the lower hose while it's running, but it should be fine. The fan shroud didn't quite fit with the new 4 core radiator, so I had to junk it. I plan on putting a 180 degree thermostat in it asap, I was just testing normal running temp without it.k How hot do your Cleveland's run? I'm pretty sure I'm gonna run this for a few days, and then completely flush everything (Block and radiator). It's been run only 700 miles in the past 8 years, so some things need playing with.

 

[Max Power]

Quite often running without a stat can cause overheating too. The coolant goes through the radiator too quickly to properly cool. Run a 180 stat and your problem will probably go away.

My first car in 1978 was a 70 Mustang Grande, calypso coral with all the options. 302 though, instead of the cleveland. If it was the cleveland, I never would have let it go...

 

[Mach1steve]

supposed to be a little hot (long)

So you're Cleveland runs hot ?... well .....welcome to the world of 351C's !
These engines are engineered to run a little hotter than most others. They run better that way. I have a 3 row Rad and an Aluminum water pump, and a 195 degree Thermostat, and if left idling too long it still gets hot, but doesn't over-heat.
You are confusing the Terms - running hot & over-heating !
Running hot is good for it, put the 195 Thermostat back in, the car was designed to use a 195 and Ford knows better than you do !
Over-heating is when it pukes Rad fluid.... if it gets a warm at idle, don't worry about it until it pukes.

ALSO.... BIG THING.... when you initially top up the Radiator and then go and drive the car... it will likely puke Rad fluid...... this is normal... you have just filled it a little too much..... run the car, let it puke (and it will the 1st few times you drive it) and then the Radiator finds it's own level. Do not add more after it pukes, it is finding it's own level. After this it will not puke anymore. It will continue to get hotter & hotter the longer you idle, this is normal, but it should not over-heat.... remember these are 2 different issues... running hot & over-heating.
Now forget about it and go have fun !
Clevelands Rock !
Mach1steve
www.muggziperformance.com

 

[351carlo]

Haha, thanks for the info. I appreciate people knowing more than me, and that's quite often, but I appreciate even more those who share the knowledge. Car's have those quirks and I appreciate knowing what my quirks are on my car. This is a very good learning experience for me and I can't wait to get more into this. I need to run through my vacuum line system.

Quick question though. How can running hot make it run better, and where does your temp gauge sit when it is running?

Thanks Guys, Awesome Forums.

Carlo

 

[HistoricMustang]

Again, I am with Steve.

The radiator needs to find its own level. My aluminum unit is actually down about 4" from the top. Also, these things tend to "pressure" up the top of the radiator which will again lift the radiator cap and "puke" some fluid.

HistoricMustang
www.historicmustang.com

 

[syberjunkie]

My 351C runs about 195, no matter if it is in winter or in the middle of summer in 90+ weather.

 

[351carlo]

Thanks guys...So one last question, What kinda performance can I get out of this Cleveland?

I'm looking at doing the following setup:
Holley 670 Street Avenger
Edelbrock 2750 intake
1"5/8 tube Headers
It's got Dual Flowmasters
Trac-Lok on the rear with 3.50's

I plan to do this within the next few months, however around August I want to do another 600 or so in engine work. Cam, Valves, Rockers, Lifters. Suggestions on the latter work, and estimates on performance for the prior work would be appreciated.

Carlo.

BTW. I'm not looking to be hotrodding this thing around, I'm also doing a complete interior restoration (Near complete, just need carpet and door panels), and exterior. I just like the extra power.