fan is in, works great, running it off a switch in the car. i used to almost hit the top of my temp gauge when I'd run hard up the local mountain, now im floating right around the bottom of the O in normal. im still using the stock radiator and im not sure if my thermostat is functioning properly. how would i check this? and how much would a faulty thermostat affect my cooling abilities?
taurus fan in....temps only lowered a bit??
- Thread starter jmd2914
- Start date
WHen running at speed up a mountain, the fan isnt going to help you a lot (it's for low speed driving and idling).
Some of the parts store stats out there are not balanced. So when you're on it (like going up a mountain road, at say 3-5K RPM), the stat doesnt necessarily open when it should (it can be quite delayed).
Because you have to ask, I suggest changing the t-stat. A Mr Gasket is what I like (10 bucks at most speed shops, or under 9 bucks last time I checked Summit). It is balanced, has the jiggle valve, flows better and opens fully sooner than some of the stuff at the parts store (when you hold them up side by side, you'll see).
Also make sure you have a spring in your lower radiator hose, on the small chance that you're collapsing that hose (assuming your driving up the mountain is spirited).
Now if you want to get an idea if the stat is opening, you can feel the upper radiator hose (be careful, as the outside of the hose gets hot). It should get pretty firm at the stat's rated temp. You can remove it and put it on a pot of water on the stove, but if you do that, why not replace it anyhow.
See if you have the little air dam under the car.
Good luck.
Some of the parts store stats out there are not balanced. So when you're on it (like going up a mountain road, at say 3-5K RPM), the stat doesnt necessarily open when it should (it can be quite delayed).
Because you have to ask, I suggest changing the t-stat. A Mr Gasket is what I like (10 bucks at most speed shops, or under 9 bucks last time I checked Summit). It is balanced, has the jiggle valve, flows better and opens fully sooner than some of the stuff at the parts store (when you hold them up side by side, you'll see).
Also make sure you have a spring in your lower radiator hose, on the small chance that you're collapsing that hose (assuming your driving up the mountain is spirited).
Now if you want to get an idea if the stat is opening, you can feel the upper radiator hose (be careful, as the outside of the hose gets hot). It should get pretty firm at the stat's rated temp. You can remove it and put it on a pot of water on the stove, but if you do that, why not replace it anyhow.
See if you have the little air dam under the car.
Good luck.
i think the little air dam is still under my car. what does it look like? and i'm going to order a new t-stat soon. also im running the stock radiator is that hindering my cooling also? and a voltage question, at idle with the fan running, radio on, heater and lights on my voltage is at the mark right about the red mark i think like 11 volts or something, is that too low? oh by the way thanks for the help with the e fan install dude
It's just a piece of plastic across the bottom radiator support. It's held in with 5 or 6 bolts. I dont have any pics of it.jmd2914 said:
If your stock radiator is literally stock (read original), that could be it. Radiators slowly degrade - no way to know without seeing it or having it tested though.
I would check your battery voltage with your meter with that load on the charging system. The stock gauge is kinda lame and you might have a voltage drop to the gauge itself. I've seen cars show 11 volts at the gauge (even an aftermarket gauge) but actually have slightly over 12 volts at the battery. I assume you see the low voltage only while idling. Once you reach ~ 1000 RPM, the volts should jump up. If they do, I wouldnt sweat it super hard. If volts dont come up (to 13 or so) once the revs are up, I'd check it further.
Good luck.
yeah the volts come up to about half way up the gauge when the car revs so I'm not really worried about it. ill still check it though. what would be a good somewhat inexpensive radiator? something better than stock but not huge, cuz i bairly fit the taurus fan in there untrimmed as it is. I'm lookin for somethin about $150 to $200 any ideas?
A 3 core radiator from GDI (GoDan industries) or Modine should work well. They come from the parts stores. Ask others how much further out the 3 core sticks out (depth-wise) than a stocker (it isnt much, but it sounds like you're hurting for space).
Otherwise, one of the aluminum units should do you well (My preference is one that doesnt use epoxy in the construction - look for brazed construction instead). Your call (the latter will work better probably but is more work to install).
Check pics and threads. I know on the 94-95's, the guys make up for aluminum radiator space by actually recessing it under the radiator support - you might get some space back that way.
It's too late for me to think. Good luck bud.
Otherwise, one of the aluminum units should do you well (My preference is one that doesnt use epoxy in the construction - look for brazed construction instead). Your call (the latter will work better probably but is more work to install).
Check pics and threads. I know on the 94-95's, the guys make up for aluminum radiator space by actually recessing it under the radiator support - you might get some space back that way.
It's too late for me to think. Good luck bud.
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