Runnin' Hot

XXQQQME · #1 (**permalink**) 05-20-2003, 09:13 AM

Anyone out there running a 460 and experiencing unusually high temps, especially when in traffic (cruising)? Also, what is the best temp to run at? And, if anyone has run hot in the past, what did you do to bring the temp back to the normal range??

Tom Wells · #2 (**permalink**) 05-20-2003, 09:23 AM

XXQQQME,

Dunno whatcha got for a radiator & fan(s). Could be a factor.

Biggest thing for me was bleeding all the air out of the cooling system - took me about 5 tries to get it all out. 80-90 C from then on!

Tom

Clois Harlan · #3 (**permalink**) 05-20-2003, 09:50 AM

I fought heating problems all last year and never really got a handle on it completely until this year.

The 460 doesn't normally run hot as the FE series does so your problem may not be the same as mine. Here is what was suggested to me and each one helped or narrowed the problems down to something else.

Is your radiator sized correctly?

First Check your thermostat in hot water to see if it is opening correctly.

Are you loosing water or is your water staying contained in your system and your gauge is just reading hot? If so check your gauge.

What is the pressure rating of your radiator cap? 18-20#

Is your fan set up as a puller fan and is it operational?

Are you sure you have all the air out of your system? To check this; as you are filling your radiator leave your water temp gauge probe loose and fill your reservior until water (anti-freeze) starts coming out your fitting on the top of your manifold. If your manifold is higher than your radiator fill the area between the highest point on your manifold runners and your radiator fill will trap air.

Add a pint of Water Weter ($8.00) to your coolant.

Is your water pump functioning properly (rotation direction).

I hope some of these suggestions help.

Clois

BB427 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-20-2003, 02:47 PM

One thing to check is the plate on the rear of the water pump. On the FE engines the water pump is a self contained unit somewhat like a chevrolet (sorry) On the 429/460 there is a plate between the water pump and the timing cover. If this plate is not in place the water pump just cavitates and doesn't move any water. Also as Tom said make sure you bleed the system well. I added a braided steel water crossover tube to the rear of my intake from head to head, it did help and allowed me to bleed the system in another area.

Good luck!

casaleenie · #5 (**permalink**) 05-20-2003, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by XXQQQME

Anyone out there running a 460 and experiencing unusually high temps, especially when in traffic (cruising)? Also, what is the best temp to run at? And, if anyone has run hot in the past, what did you do to bring the temp back to the normal range??

XXQQQQME = That's a great forum name... I'm still smiling...
Just great.....

casaleenie · #6 (**permalink**) 05-20-2003, 03:42 PM

What are safe operating temps on an engine.... OIL, WATER,

This car didn't come with instructions and I'm painting by numbers on this....

XXQQQME · #7 (**permalink**) 05-21-2003, 06:15 AM

Thanks for all the replies! I'll have to try bleeding the system, loosening the temp probe seems to be the best bet. The radiator is the stock one from West Coast... it's a 4 core radiator and I think it will handle up to 500 hp. The fan set-up is the twin 12 in puller type and I've got them running all the time. I will also check the thermostat to make sure it's operating correctly. I'll keep you advised, however, I've got the car disassembled and ready for paint. I'm delivering the car hopefully this weekend and should have it back by the end of June. Stay tuned!

Thanks guys!

Oh yeah, the water pump plate is in place and operating fine.
I really think it's a combination of thermostat and trapped air.

WC Snake Bitten · #8 (**permalink**) 08-03-2003, 07:12 PM

Have you got your heating problem solved yet? If so what was the problem?

I have a West Coast with a 460 that runs hot, has a 6 core radiator with two pushers and one puller fans. Guess I'll be changing the anti freeze/water ratio, adding water wetter and making sure all the air is out of the coolant system.

wizard · #9 (**permalink**) 08-03-2003, 08:29 PM

How many West Coast Radiators are there? Site says 5 core and 7 core. Mine is a WC that runs warm, about 200 normally on a hot GA day but will climb to 220 real quick when ya get on it and it takes some time to get back down. (I'm afraid to push it for very long.)
No thermostat. (It warms up fairly quickly.) WC's come with under-drive pulley system. I changed my water pump pulley ratio to over drive (6" crank, 5 1/4" WP). This helped. I have a high flow Stewart Water pump coming. (Got that from a several different threads, more flow than Edelbrock but less pretty.)
This really started after the weather got real wamr and humid. We've had a late start on summer. Runs better in the evening so I know I'm on the edge.
100% water with an additive for corrosion and water pump lubrication is you best fluid.
Keep pushin'. You'll find it.

PS I notice you're in MI. I'll be up for the big cruise. (My home state). Will you be there? Perhaps we can hook up.

Mohuska · #10 (**permalink**) 08-03-2003, 09:25 PM

I have a West Coast....just installed a 750 Hp motor. I am running the same radiator, thermostat as before....7 core radiator (must have)......160 degree Thermostat......Sprint car puller fan (make sure shrouding fits tight).......I have an adjustable switch to turn fan on...goes on at 185. Running almost plain water...with about 2 cups of antifreeze in it.

Car runs consistently at 185-190.....When I really get on it or in heavy traffic...goes as high as 200...no more

wizard · #11 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 06:10 PM

Pinging XXQQQME

Any progress yet? Vern contacted me about a 7 core today. Will try to upgrade while I'm in MI next week. Any chance we can admire each other's beasts while I'm up there?

WestCoastBill · #12 (**permalink**) 08-08-2003, 09:56 PM

I tried all the usual things. Went to a wrecking yard and found a fan from (I believe) a Mark VIII. After modifying the shroud to fit my four core radiator I no longer fear hot weather and traffic jams. I really feel a full, good fitting shroud is the reason. This did give need for a better alternator, but was worth it. Bill

XXQQQME · #13 (**permalink**) 08-12-2003, 09:45 AM

I will be at the WDC this weekend. I'm going to try to make it up to the GLCC snake pit in Birmingham. It should be fun, however I won't have my beast ready yet. It won't be back from paint shop for another 2/3 weeks. I'll address any cooling issues at this time.

Hope to see you at The Cruise!!!

"OMG" (new personalized plate)

Back in Black · #14 (**permalink**) 08-12-2003, 12:31 PM

And replacing with distilled water and 2 bottles of Water Wetter... and installing a new 180 thermostat, with a small hole drilled in there to bleed air...

My water temp is now generally 180 to 205, (before was going to 230+ and the oil was getting way up there too) unless I get on it, then it climbs fast, so far not above 220 tho it does cool down slowly unless I get on the highway. The car was delivered with the 7 core radiator, the stock ford pump (high polished) with a HUGE 6.5 inch diameter

billet aluminum WP pulley.

I will soon do the following:

~ 5 inch pulley (will this adversely affect my power assist steering pump?)

Switching to synthetic oil.. am told, but am skeptical, that this will help my 514 run cooler, due to lower friction. I need to get at least 3500 break-in miles on her before I even consider that.

Mr.Fixit · #15 (**permalink**) 08-12-2003, 01:36 PM

The change in water pump pulley diameter will not affect power steering, that is controlled by the diameters of the power steering pulley and the crank pulley, the WP pulley doesn't matter. You all need a better electric puller-fan setup.

flipper35 · #16 (**permalink**) 08-12-2003, 01:57 PM

While you are at it double check your timing.

Bill V · #17 (**permalink**) 08-12-2003, 02:32 PM

Not sure if this'll help but I read an article in the latest issue of Kit Car Magazine and it described an overheat problem in a Cobra replica. The engine seemed to run real hot particularly under load. What was found to cause the problem (after a ton of troubleshooting), was the water pump. It was a pump for a 351C but the motor was a 351W. The pumps looks very much alike, but the numbers stamped on the casings indicated that they were for two different applications. Once replaced the problem went away. I know you're running with a 460 but I thought I'd mention it anyway. Good luck.

HighPlainsDrifter · #18 (**permalink**) 08-12-2003, 03:18 PM

West coast Bill is right on the mark.
It drove me nuts for quite a while trying different things to cool it down. Got a lincoln rad shroud and it dropped my water temp more than 20 degrees !
Perry.

Mr.Fixit · #19 (**permalink**) 08-12-2003, 04:15 PM

Some cobras come from the factory with a nice high flow electric radiator fan setup with good shrouding, stallions / west coast "cobras" do not. That is their heat problem. If you don't get hot while running down the freeway, but do in traffic, it is a radiator fan problem, period.

wizard · #20 (**permalink**) 08-12-2003, 08:31 PM

XXQQQME

I'll be at the prefling tomorrow and of course Saturday. Look me up.

As far as the cooling issues, after the new postings, I'm going to look real close at the fan shroud. I know there are several inches exposed on each side. It ran a little warm Sunday when I took it down Gratiot in stop & go going to my sisters but it is cooler up here than in GA. The drive back was much better when we came back but that was after dark and below 70. Can't do much til I get back to GA but will post the results.
Hey B in B, just a big hello. Got yr FI working yet? (I havdn't seen any recent posts.) Are you running one fan or two? I went out and saw Jim Miller's beast today. She's really gonna be sweet when he gets her finished.

Hey Jim, if you are listening, I had a great afternoon drooling over your beauty.