Engine Gets REAL Hot
 

I have a problem, maybe you guys can help me. I have a 93 mustang vert, 5.0 bored 30 over, 5 speed, aluminum headers. Engine was rebuilt 10,000 miles ago. Even at idle, everything under the hood gets really hot. Way more than normal I think. I also have 92 hatchback 5.0 and it doesn't get as hot as the vert. I cant touch ANYTHING under the hood of the vert until it cools off. Not even the triangle GRIPP bar. My temp gauge says 160 degrees, not bad. I just installed a new temp sender unit for the gauge.

If I let it it heat up at idle, I can't get any pressure on the top radiator hose. It takes no effort to pinch it with my fingers. Then, when I rev it up to about 2500 RPM, I can feel something going through it, but not much. Then after revving it, I can get a very little bit of pressure on that hose. I installed a new rad cap, and still the same problem. No fluid leaks at all, no white smoke, no smell, the radiator is hot all over. The engine just gets really hot and makes everything else extremely hot as well. I just had the clutch cable fail because the heat under the hood melted it at the firewall. I just don't think this is normal. Do aftermarket headers really make a big heat difference? The only thing I haven't checked yet is the t-stat. Do you think it may not be opening all the way? But then there's the temp gauge, it reads normal. I tried to "burp" it as well, still nothing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, SG

is the cable routed as far away from headers as possible?? also how is heater output?? it should be toasty which will indicate a system that is bled.

Hi, Yep, the heater is real toasty. The cable is mounted where the factory put it. Thanks

what is the timing set at??

Oh Man, I have no idea. What are the specs on that?

with spout out..... 10 degrees base = stock setting

Well, I have no idea. I don't have any of those fancy tools, timing light, etc. What does spout out 10 degrees base mean? I dont know the lingo either. I do know how to set the timing though if I did have a light.

Do you think I have an air pocket that is right where the temp sender unit is? Could that be why its reading low? Just a thought.

air will usually work it's way to the high point in the system, which is the heater core.

The thing that boggles my mind is the pressure on the upper radiator hose. I have a 92 5.0 and I let it heat up and then pinch the hose, and it has pressure in it. I do that to the 93 vert, and its real easy to press it. After revving it up a bit, I get a little pressure in that hose, but still not as much as the 92. I dont think my t stat is opening up all the way. Could that be? I did replace the rad cap too.

The 92 runs just fine. No aluminum headers though.

Put a new Raditor cap and try it again.