It is over 110 deg where i live. I have 88 5.0 w/195 deg therm should i change it to 160 deg?

Question

I have new radiator and clutch fan and she still runs somewhat hot any advice? This is a CA car thanks.......

The shroud is in good shape I commute up a 2 mile hill and the temp goes up to past the middle of the gauge btween the middle and the very top. temp does return to normal always, so do I worry about it ?

Answer 1

Unless it's running dangerously close to overheating, I wouldn't change anything. The weather will be cooling in a few weeks, and I doubt you'd see a huge difference in hot weather with the cooler thermostat...but you'd hate it this winter...when you don't have much heat.

Answer 2

DO NOT LISTEN TO randall flag NEVER RUN PURE ANTIFREEZE. It is NOT a good coolant in pure form. I have run heat balance tests on construction machinery for years. Best cooling balance is 30% antifreeze. Oh, yes, water wetter...Tried that on a carefully controlled and documented heat balance test..Engine ran HOTTER BY 3C. forget it!!
Ok, on the fan clutch, did you get the HD or truck version. It does make a difference!!! Do you have a good fan shroud with no holes or cracks? Changing the thermostate will not fix a cooling problem, but only delay the problem. The heat exchange will not improve. It is possible to modify the fan clutch for more effectiveness, have done it, but it will void your warranty on it.
Electric fans. Unless you use the Ford Tauras from 1990-95 which can pull over 50 amps,,might need a new alternator, you cannot get enough power from them to equal a mechanical fan.
Air flow is the key or preventing air recirculation. On your radiator, did you have the option for a larger radiator or a higher fin count.
One more question,,you say it runs hot,,Going down the road or standing still at very low speeds?
Good Luck
Pure antifreeze may move the boiling point up and yes, it will but you are after heat transfer and pure antifreeze is NOT the best solution for that. So what if the boiling point is now 250 degrees, your engine is damaged at 230,,it just does not boil over as it dies. Pure antifreeze in a cooling system is NOT recommended by ANY manufacturer. Other opinions are Urban Legend.

Ok Ok..I promised you how to modify your fan clutch for more cooling...go to http://www.mallcrawlin.com/forum//showthread.php?t=6355 and the second post called "Test Day". about half way down on the post is the modification to a GOOD HD..NOT STANDARD fan clutch. It DOES WORK, as I live in the South also. Have two units with that modification. The clutch will still slip at high rpm, which it should, but MUCH stronger at low rpm, which I am assuming is where your problem is.
Going to direct drive, which the fan clutch modification IS NOT,,,, WILL solve your cooling problem,,assuming nothing else is wrong, but belt, bearing, and mileage problems make this a bad move.

Best of luck.

Answer 3

It is fine. 1/2 way up is only about 210 according to my mechanical gauge. Water conducts heat better than anti-freeze and the pressure from the radiator cap will keep it from boiling. No more than a 50/50 mix should be used. I run 70/30 in the summer. With a 195 thermostat, mine runs about 205-210 on really hot days.

Answer 4

Listen to drag1line, I ran this question by my brother who is a svt mechanic for ford and his answer was very simular to drag1lines answer. Also, DO NOT run pure antifreeze in your vehical, moving the boiling point is pointless at the temp the boiling point already is. You can call any vehical manufacturer in your area and they all will tell you not to put pure antifreeze in your vehical. My brother said you have nothing to worry about. As it gets stupid hot outside your car will run hotter. There is nothing wrong with your car and you dont need to change your therm. If it gets close enough to the top end of the term where you are worried then shut off your ac for a few mins and turn on your heater. The problem will subside and then you can run your car as normal. They heat outside will go away soon enough and you'll be fine.

Answer 5

New homes usually have what is called in the industry as builder's models a/c. These units are the cheapest and least efficient units that they can install and still meet the architects design qualifications. Even so, the unit should be able to maintain temp. on a hot day. I would recommend you call the builder and tell him the problem. I suspect you still have a problem that needs to be resolved by a tech. Good luck and God Bless.

Answer 6

If you're going by the factory gauge, you're fine. 5.0's were built to run at 205-210.
If you change the thermostat to a lower temp, you will corrupt the computer; it bases all it's outputs (timing, fuel curve) on this temp.

Answer 7

no, in fact it will cool worse with a lower temp. thermostat.
i also live in a hot part of the valley..
running pure antifreeze helps
they sell some stuff called "water wetter" by redline.
it works very well..simply ad a pint to your radiator and it really will cool better...

my 55 Chevy normally runs 185 no mater how hard i run it, but it jumps to 210 deg. if it is over 110 outside as well..

Answer 8

i have been a union heavy mechanic / truck fleet manager since 1978...in extreme heat pure antifreeze is the only way to go...it moves you boiling point up as much as 40 degrees.
and in desert conditions water wetter is a must. we buy it in bulk...a electric fan added into the system will help..
you do have a fan shroud in place don't you ?
it is important...

the point is you wont get steam pockets.
they are instant death!
.as coolant temp rises, the radiator becomes more effective.
the trouble he is having is a ambient air problem..
guessing you never spent any time near death valley

you should install a good aftermarket gauge

Answer 9

Go to Autozone,Get a electric fan(Biggest that will fit Rad.)
Hooked to a thermostat controlled switched(Also A.Z)And use the 180deg thermostat.
If you don't want to try that route get some Water wetter or equivalent and put in your Rad.(usually drops temps by 10-25degs)

Answer 10

nope, its gonna run hot in that kinda climate...