overheating

[THX 138]

so its been a few months since I got the car and my dad and I have been slowly fixing it. Did the steering, brakes, some interior, hood (had opened on the last owner on the freeway), hood hinges... so now its overheating. It was overheating really bad when the brakes got adjusted too tight, before that the brakes were too soft but it never oveheated and I had driven a lot furter then than I am now. So now I'm thinking maybe the brakes are still grabbing or maybe its just the weather. Its summer now and I had gotten the car in winter. I was also thinking maybe its running lean or the timing is off? its got a stock looking radiator, with no fan clutch and I think a 5 or 6 metal blade fan. What should I do first? fan clutch? move the fan closer to the radiator?

 

[65fastback2+2]

move the fan closer to the rad, or a 3 or 4 row rad

 

[mitchcj1]

In the current (July?) issue of Mustang and ford trader there is an article that talks about common overheating problems. Might want to check that out. It talks about hoses, pressure cap, petcock (?!?), water pump. freeze plugs. thermostat, fan clutch, clogs... or you could move the fan closer to the radiator. If you cant find the mag Ill scan and send...

 

[Blown4.6]

Is it overheating at idle or also when cruising? If at idle only, then it's an airflow problem. Look into the usual airflow issues (fan, fan clutch, shroud, fan close enough to radiator).

If it's overheating when cruising also, there are only 2 things to check. 1) is the therm. opening and allowing water to circulate? If no, there's your problem. If yes, then your timing is simply late and the burning fuel is acting a water heater. Advance the timing and your problem should be solved.

 

[Max Power]

If it is overheating at cruising speeds, it is usually a coolant flow problem. Timing may be the cause, but that is rare. Check it forst, because it is free. After that, make sure your radiator is in good shape, as in not plugging up. Also make sure your stat if functioning properly. It's hard to be more specific without knowing more about the application.