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Running hot

ok now

I have recently aquired an 88 T- Bird with a 5.0 302

its constantly running hot with or without the ac on

now granted i do drive the car hard at times

i have replaced the radiator ( no leaks )

also the thermostat and had my mechanic look it over with a fine tooth comb

ive also replaced the radiator cap

the water pump is working

the only thing i can think of is that the cats could be clogged

let me know what you guys think

Running hot

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Wraith
ok now

I have recently aquired an 88 T- Bird with a 5.0 302

its constantly running hot with or without the ac on

now granted i do drive the car hard at times

i have replaced the radiator ( no leaks )

also the thermostat and had my mechanic look it over with a fine tooth comb

ive also replaced the radiator cap

the water pump is working

the only thing i can think of is that the cats could be clogged

let me know what you guys think









I think your fan clutch is worn out
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1974 maverick lsx powered turbo car SOLD
1973 maverick Tijuana Taxi Tribute
1957 chevy LSX Turbo project (race car)
Owner of Joe Dirt Fabrication

Running hot

Reply #2 –
I would agree with sleeper, if your looking for an easy and smart repair pick up an electric fan out of a taurus, will fit right in place.

Running hot

Reply #3 –
The fan would be my guess as well.  Usually with clogged cats you'll notice a significant loss in power.  To check your fan open your hood and, of course with the motor OFF, spin the fan by hand.  It should not spin more than 1.5 full turns.  If it spins more than that the clutch is shot and requires replacement
-- 05 Mustang GT-Whipplecharged !!
--87 5.0 Trick Flow Heads & Intake - Custom Cam - Many other goodies...3100Lbs...Low12's!

Running hot

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Paul Flockhart
The fan would be my guess as well.  Usually with clogged cats you'll notice a significant loss in power.  To check your fan open your hood and, of course with the motor OFF, spin the fan by hand.  It should not spin more than 1.5 full turns.  If it spins more than that the clutch is shot and requires replacement


another way to check would be to watch the fan and kill the engine.  if it spins for a long time you might want to change it.

Running hot

Reply #5 –
Quote from: t-bird85
I would agree with sleeper, if your looking for an easy and smart repair pick up an electric fan out of a taurus, will fit right in place.


What year Taurus? Because I want to put an electric fan in cheap. I tried putting in one from a 4cyl mustang but it did not fit the motor washiznitting my water pump. So I was thinking of getting a double fan like what is in the turbo-coupes.

Running hot

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Innes
What year Taurus? Because I want to put an electric fan in cheap. I tried putting in one from a 4cyl mustang but it did not fit the motor washiznitting my water pump. So I was thinking of getting a double fan like what is in the turbo-coupes.





turbo coupe double fan wont fit.

4cyl will with mods i ran one on a 5.0 stang for years.

the taurus/sable/contenital fan will work fine (square body style)

late volvo fwd fans will fit.


a super coupe t-bird fan will work fine 89-up

fan choices are endless
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
1974 maverick lsx powered turbo car SOLD
1973 maverick Tijuana Taxi Tribute
1957 chevy LSX Turbo project (race car)
Owner of Joe Dirt Fabrication

Running hot

Reply #8 –
Or you could get a universal eletric fan :shrug:

Garrett H.
'94 F250 XLT- 4x4, 5 speed, 7.3 IDI Turbo Diesel, 4" intake, 4" exhaust, 5" turnout stacks, manual hubs, etc.
'87 Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Engine, wheels, tires, etc!
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Another clip

Running hot

Reply #9 –
Does it still have the spoiler under the rad? You need that to direct air to the rad at highway speeds.

Running hot

Reply #10 –
Thanks guys the LSC swap is nice but a little expensive. That speed relay is the expensive part, and most 2 or 3 speed fans are pricey from the bone yard and than you need a relay for the high amps. Most 1-speed fans are to big the W/P pulley. So I was thinking of going w/a  universal electric fan price about $60-100 in jegs. I did think of moding the 4cyl fan but didn’t want to butcher it while I could get my money back besides it was noisy. To bad the duel fan from a T/C won’t fit.

I appreciate the info I now have enough to think about and make my decision.

Running hot

Reply #11 –
Keep inmind if you go electric you might want to upgrade the alternator.  Pice one up out of a 93 stang will be fine

Running hot

Reply #12 –
93 stang good idea since im putting under drive pulleys on to. Do you know the amp output and difference in years? How about a police package alternator of a Crown-Vic, or is that overkill.

Running hot

Reply #13 –
Try twin setup with 2 switchs.
I run one fan on and off all winter and in the summer unless stuck in trafic i dont need to use both fans.

Main time you will see both my fans is between runs when i want to cool my motor right down fast