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Overheating problems

  • Thread starter Thread starter Foxbod5.0
  • Start date Start date Jul 20, 2007
F

Foxbod5.0

New Member
May 16, 2007
1
0
0
Harpursvill , NY
Jul 20, 2007
#1
  • Jul 20, 2007
  • #1
This has me stumped... I have a 91 Mustang GT , 5.0 h.o , automatic tranny , 8.8 posi rear. I took out the fuel injection put an wieand intake on it , holley 650 carb , holley electric fuel pump , electric fan , braided fuel lines , 3200 stall , shift kit , 4.10 gears... Well for some reason I keep having an overheating problem. I've put a new water pump on , new thermostat , changed the timing whiched helped the problem a lot , but now instead of it overheating 5 minutes after I start it , it now takes about 10 minutes. This last time it started overheating , I was pulling in my driveway it hit 250 degrees and stalled out on me. Now its acting like its loading up. I'm clueless on what could be the problem with this. If someone has any opinions , advice or any solutions LET ME KNOW...
 

68keyblr

20+ Year Stangneter
Mar 17, 2003
946
20
49
Arizona
Jul 20, 2007
#2
  • Jul 20, 2007
  • #2
Is the electric fan spinning the right direction?
 

Darkwriter77

Resident Ranting Negative Nancy
5 Year Member
Jul 1, 2005
314
281
134
Apache Junction, AZ
Jul 20, 2007
#3
  • Jul 20, 2007
  • #3
Ideas:

1. Clogged radiator - try performing full coolant flush, look for signs of corrosion, consider replacing with copper/brass 3-core unit;
2. Blocked radiator fins - crap tends to accumulate on the front-side of your radiator fins after awhile, so hose it out with either a garden hose, compressed air, or a soft-bristled brush ... but be careful not to use too much pressure with any method, or you'll damage the fins;
3. Thermostat installed backwards;
4. Radiator fan pushing instead of pulling air - verify that plenty of air is going the proper direction. (Fan mounted on rear side of radiator should pull air; fan mounted on front side should push.) Usually just a matter of reversing two wires, or flipping around the fan blades (some, like mine, are reversible);
5. Air dam missing - replace with OEM piece (available from places like 50resto.com or Ford), or find equivalent-sized/shaped piece from any car in a junkyard (pretty simple design - just a long, flat section of black plastic with a few spots where you can bolt it up underneath the radiator to deflect air up into it);
6. Wrong-rotation water pump installed (serpentine-belted 5.0's require REVERSE-rotation pumps);
7. Defective thermostat;
8. Possible intake/head gasket leak - check for signs of oil in water/water in oil ("milkshake") or white stains/coolant stink after motor is warm.

That's all I can think of right off hand...
 
1

1992mustangLX

New Member
Jun 13, 2007
65
0
0
Jul 20, 2007
#4
  • Jul 20, 2007
  • #4
a common mistake is with the thermostat. A lot of people put them in and they dont get seated in the right position. Also putting them in backwards, but i dont believe you would do that, although it has done before. If you recently drained your coolant then there still might be air in the system.
 

tbovee

Member
May 22, 2006
129
0
17
Fredericksburg Va
Jul 22, 2007
#5
  • Jul 22, 2007
  • #5
If it wasn't doing this before you swapped over to a carb. Try jacking up the drivers side front of the car, remove the radiator cap, and run it until the stat opens. It should help burp any air that may be caught in the system. You also didnt mention the condition of the radiator cap? They are cheap and often overlooked.
 
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