ok.. i have a straight 6 engine.. with its regular radiator.. i drive for about 20 min on the freeway aprox 65 -70 mph and within that time the truck overheats in 90degree weather... my question is . how do you keep a car like that cool.. i cleaned the radiator and added right amounts of water +coolant.... what could i do to help it keep cool in the summer...
::note:: i never let the thermostat needle rise more than 3/4s the way..i turn the car off b4 it reaches that...
2006-06-25 19:40:09 · 8 answers · asked by she 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Two ideas for you....
One, you might need a new water pump. I'm not sure how the setup is on your truck, but if it is overheating while driving you are more than likely looking at poor circulation which would point to the water pump.
If the pump is still good, then probably try radiator flush products you can find at any Auto Parts store. You more than likely have gummy and rust build up in the block given it is so old.
Second, add a second fan to the radiator. I'm sure your truck more than likely has the fan connected to the crank pulley as many Fords do, but if the first idea doesn't work, then this should help you cool down some more. You can find 14" to 18" electric fans for pretty cheap either on eBay, or at a place I used to buy from... I think its called Sherco Auto Supply. Google it.
2006-06-25 19:45:42 · answer #1 · answered by TORCH 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, get that gauge checked. It might well be reading high and if it is, you don't have a problem.
If the radiator is original, it may need to be rodded out. Normal flushing will not get it clean enough. Chemical flushing may damage it.
Check the thermostat. That model used a 180 degree unit in winter and a 160 degree one in summer.
The water pump may also be worn out. If it's more than about 4 -5 years old, just go ahead and replace it; it's dirt cheap. The impeller is made of mild steel and will rust away in a few years, especially if it was ever run without antifreeze. Just because it isn't leaking doesn't mean that it's not bad!
Also make sure that the radiator cap is in good condition and is the right pressure rating for that vehicle.
2006-06-25 19:54:10 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suspest a bad radiator. You say you cleaned it, but unless you had it "rodded" by a radiator shop you probably have tubes plugged, especially if there is any age on it. Try this, remove both radiator hoses, tape off the top hose, hold your hand over the bottom and fill it up. Remove your hand and see if the radiator empties within a few seconds, and has a strong flow out of it. If not, you got plugged tubes.
Check all the other stuff that has been mentioned as well as engine timing, too much advance can overheat. Check the lower hose also. It should have a spring inside it to keep it from collapsing, and not feel spongy.
2006-06-26 01:58:20 · answer #3 · answered by br549 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Replace the thermostat,then check to see if the coolant is cycling.Do this by warming it up with the radiator cap off. When the thermostat opens,you should see the coolant circulating in the radiator. If not,replace the water pump.
I had a 60 econoline van years ago. They didn't know what to call it then,so mine was a Falcon station wagon on the title.
2006-06-25 19:57:43 · answer #4 · answered by Wolfman 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First check if your thermostat is sticking. If it is not you can try installing a thermostat that opens at a lower temp. or install a three core radiator.
2006-06-25 19:46:08 · answer #5 · answered by chad p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be many things:
radiator cap, water pump, low coolant, head gasket/cracked head, bad temp sensor.
Good luck, nice car.
2006-06-25 19:51:44 · answer #6 · answered by FastEddie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a sweet ride, good luck.
Wish I knew more than just that it's classic vehicle.
2006-06-25 19:45:22 · answer #7 · answered by SmoothFlo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
replace the thermastate
2006-06-25 20:15:12 · answer #8 · answered by Neil G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋