2hot!

[chukster53]

A couple of years back I purchased a '78 Bronco that had had an engine swap back numerous years ago to a '78 Lincoln 460 cu in. engine. I have had constant problems over the years keeping it running at a normal temp. I recently had this engine rebuilt and am still having cooling problems. here is what I do know. I can spray the radiator and it will cool down to normal which tells me the water pump is ok; I can run the truck at 55 mph and on a 70 deg. day it will run at 200-210. A mechanic friend says the shroud should have 1/3 of the blade exposed on the engine side shroud which it does, however, i am thinking this may be where the problem lies. i do have an oversized radiator which has been cleaned when the rebuild was performed. What are my chances of replacing this old shroud with a newer one?(finding a proper fit)

Also, this Bronco does not have any sway bars and it rocks and sways sommething awful in the woods and offroad. Any ideas on this?

Thanks...chukster53

 

[Txquadhunter]

when you say oversized how big are you talking 3 or 4 core rad.? you'll need a 4 core to keep that beast cool. also it maybe your fan. if the blades have been flatted out at some point or a weak flex fan won't allow good air flow. you could ditch the stock fan and shroud for a good set of elc. fans w/shrouds. finding a good shroud for the 73-79 styles ain't a easy task. I've read some where that people where buying them thru Ford still. but having fitment trouble with them.. also what temp. stat are you using?

 

[amcabbott]

replace the fan clutch they are only good for about 70,000 miles on a ford us a thermal unit not a centrivical unit. the thermal unit will cool much better and gives you that jet engine sound when you first start it up.thats how you can tell its working.

 

[chukster53]

thanks for the input..I am not sure how many cores 3 or 4..how do I count them?
Also, at this moment I am running a 165 deg therm. and she still runs 200 at 55mph. would an after market ele.fan and shroud work and how would I know which one to buy or are they generic?

 

[Sorny]

You could try putting a different thermostat in there or just not running one at all. We had a heat problem with my friends 74 Vega was a 350, so he took out the thermostat for the summer and it ran nice and cool. Taking out the thermostat should only be done if nothing else works.

 

[highboy73]

to find out the core take off the cap look inside and count the rows across,do not ever take and leave out a thermostat,you cooling system in pressurized and it will more than likely suck a hose shut,plus if your oil doesn't reach the proper temp.it's just as bad as running hot.
do you have a good radiator cap?what pressure rating?i hate to say this but is your fan on right?if you buy a fan buy a pusher and mount it in front of the radiator,try a tranny cooler,maybe an oilcooler.do you have a big bumper or anything blocking the flow of air?is you timing right?not by ear either.
i've had me a few 460's in 73's to 79's and i've never had a cooling problem unless i was off mudding in some field somewhere.let me know how it all works out

 

[BlackFord77]

A jammed thermostat will do it. Also a cracked head gasket, head, or block pushing hot exhaust into the water passages. What may seem minor can be major--start with minor first. Thermostats control engine temp. maybe they installed a high temp stat? (Then it will never cool) Next look for bubbles, foam or discoloration(especially red) in your antifreeze. Never take the radiator cap off to look for bubbles with the engine already hot though! Check Cold and don't take too long (it will heat and expand eventually). Next try a different pressure/new radiator cap to match the engine (but nothing that the radiator can't handle. Next look for obstructions in front of the radiator. If the truck came with a smaller engine originally you will have to cut the sheet metal away from around all of the cooling fins of the bigger radiator. Good Luck. I hate heating problems.

 

[mockdaddy]

Being the engine was rebuilt you may want to look behind the water pump and make sure there is a plate between the water pump and timing cover. I fought basically the same problem with a 460 except with the fact that the engine temp was ok except under load. also had very little heat in the cab while running the heater.
the problem is that the water pump is not a positive displacement pump but a centrifigal pump and without the plate behind it the coolant doesn't circulate properly through the radiator or engine.
Also i must agree never to remove the thermostat completely, your only asking for more problems then you will gain in solutions.
if there isn't a plate then one can be make by taking the pattern off of the water pump mounting gasket but remember to cut the holes for circulation into the block.
Take a look see and it may be the source of your problems

 

[460461whatever]

My truck is not done yet, but I've swapped the rad for a 4 core along with a 9qt oil pan and have an oil cooler kit on hand just in case. I also did away with the mech. fan in favor of twin electrics. The mechanical fan should be at least as good as electricals if it working correctly. I just like the control the electrics provide. BTW, my swap is from a 351M with 2 core rad to the 460, both with the same manual tranny behind them. I hope this helps.

Ps, Has anyone had any problems associated with engine oil coolers?