I would like to see if there's a way to improve the cooling system on my '85 T-Bird. It's all stock, with new head gaskets, thermostat, and water pump. It still seems to run a little warm on these hotter days (it's been in the 90s for the past several days). I'm using the T-Bird as my daily driver right now as my other car (a black 2005 Pontiac with inoperable air conditioning) isn't the most comfortable on hot days.
I was just wondering if anyone knew of an effective, yet fairly inexpensive way to reduce the engine temperature.
Thanks
larger radiator may keep the reserve fluids cooler,,, that would be in my opinion the best approach.
you could rig up a new cooling path off your bypass hoses to another separate cooler I suppose, the question is as broad as it is wide.
a different temp rating tstat could be easier, yet what you do for the summer time would cause winter under heating issues.
Given you have a new t-stat and water pump, my first thought would be the radiator. How old is it?
Have you verified the actual temperature of the coolant? I'd use a multimeter with a thermocouple and have the TC insulated by a piece of foam on the hot side of the radiator near the hose.
This. If you still have the factory 1985 vintage radiator it could be part of your problem. After 30 years it could be gunked up and need replacing. A factory replacement (if needed) should cool your car just fine.
Thanks guys,
Yes, the radiator is the original 1985 one. I had it boiled and re-rodded. The guy said he had to patch a few leaks, and that I'd need to replace it at some point in the future. I was hoping I'd be able to get through the rest of the year on this one. I'll check and see what the temperature sensor is reading. Maybe the gauge is funky.
I ran a $80 aluminium single core rad for about 80k miles with no issues. It didn't fit 100% factory, but didn't take much work, but I can't remember exactly what all I had to do. Cooled good, even on 100+ days with ac running.
Ok, cool!!! I'll keep that in mind.
Hate to hi-jack this thread but I have a cooling related question as well. I discovered the fan on my 87 Tbird (5.0) is broken in several places and needs replaced. Anyone know if a Fox body Mustang fan will work and if so is it a direct fit? If I recall the Mustang fan has more blades, right?..Thanks for your input.... Now onto regular scheduled programming. lol.
It probably should be a direct replacement. I have a Mustang 5.0 swapped into my 88 bird and I used radiator, fan and shroud from the Mustang as well and it all fit perfectly because of it being from another Fox body. Measure the diameter of your fan and I can check mine to compare if you'd like.
This will probably suit you needs:
http://www.foxresto.com/1986-93-Mustang-5-0-Fan-Blade-p/4986001.htm
Rick
Yup. I run a 9 blade Fox Mustang fan in my Thunderbird. Direct fit even with the factory Thunderbird fan shroud.
I did my 3g at and Taurus fan for less then the parts store wanted for just the fan clutch.
Many people overlook the fan clutch when they're going over their cooling system. If yours is leaking and/or spinning too freely when you try to spin the fan by hand with the engine off, it's time for a new one. Wanna upgrade? Get this: https://www.amazon.com/Hayden-Automotive-2783-Premium-Clutch/dp/B000C3DD3G
Spec'd for a 1991 Dodge Dakota 4wd with the 5.2. Direct fit for our cars and Mark VII's and fox Mustangs to boot. Will cool the car down much faster in traffic than the stocker.
Why not a Flex-a-Lite?
:hick: