426 w/ BE COOL radiator, overheating !!

[cudaaah]

    My "just complete" 426 HEMI cuda, BE Cool radiator, march performance serpentine, w/ vintage air a/c, is heating up???  I've yet to charge the A/C...the car is heating up in 70 degree weather in traffic.   Doesn't seem normal.  electric fans come on @ 190degree,  I believe the thermostat is a 190 Degree...any ideas???

[GoodysGotaCuda]

How hot is it actually getting?

The fans and thermostat are sort of fighting each other. The stat will be wide open when the fans kick on, as they cool the stat will close up (start to), then it opens again, fans on...fans are fighting a not fully flowing cooling system.

Also consider the idle tune (vacuum leaks/lean mixture), as well as ignition timing can effect engine temperature.

[outlawse]

I would drop the T-Stat down to 160.  Or atleast 180.

You want atleast a 20 deg difference between the T-Stat opening temp and the on fan setting.  (Mustang Knowledge)....lol

[cudaaah]

Thanks..I'll give the 160 T-stat a try...I'll also look into the carbs...I made an initial adjustment, I'm running 2 4's.  I've played w/ timing as well, but still, when I turn off the car it does a little kicken and screaming.

Thanks, I'll update when changes are made,

Cudaaah

[djwhog]

New tight engines do run warmer and I agree on the 160 or no more than a 180 stat.  Also drill a few very small holes i nthe stat to make sure that there is no air in the system as well.

When you have the cap off before it is too hot is there real good water flow too? other than that and timing settings and fuel settings which I am sure you have looked at it should come down.

Also what oil are you running in her?

[74 340 4speed]

I drill one 5/16" hole in my t-stats.  It keeps you from "shocking" the engine the first time the t-stat opens, especially on a colder day.  It takes longer to warm up but the hole allows enough flow of coolant to keep the temperature pretty constant.  My 340 stays at 160* with my mancini racing radiator, mopar viscous drive clutch fan, mopar aluminum water pump and 160* mr. gasket t-stat.  What kind of lower radiator hose are you running?  I use a flex hose that has a coil in it to keep the lower rad hose from collapsing due to cavitation at higher rpms.

[moper]

If the engine is "kicking and screaming" when you shut it down, your timing may be too far retarded which can cause a hot running engine. Check the timing curve and the carb settings.

[cudaaah]

I appreciate the tips and possible fixes...would like more info on drilling a whole in stat???  would it just be anywhere allowing flow straight thru??  how big of a hole??

Thanks again

[ireland383]

1/8 inch hole on the flat part, just not to close to the inner edge.

[matt63]

I would follow the tuning advice for sure.  The stat rating only controls what temp it opens at and not the actual operating temperature of the engine.  I would make sure you have an accurate reading on the coolant temperature otherwise you may chase your tail.  Been there.