Hi,

Just new to the group.

Have bought myself a '65 Coupe and am having trouble with it overheating.

As a start I want to replace the radiator cap, thermostat and hoses.

Q1. What temperature thermostat should go in a '65 289.
Q2. What is the correct pressure radiator cap to use.

If this doesn't work then it will be flush and clean the radiator.

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

Don't hold off on flushing the radiator. As a matter of fact, you should backflush your entire system as a part of preventative maintenance. Buy yourself a jug of Prestone radiator cleaning solution along with their backflush kit. You'll be surprised at what sprays outa there!

I believe Ford used a 190Ëš thermostat originally - but you don't want to go that high. I've always run a 160Ëš.

As for the cap - go ahead and get one intended for use with a recovery tank. You can use a simple $10 plastic tank from AutoZone or spend a small fortune on a sharp aluminum number - but get yourself a puke tank in there. I think I'm using a 16 lb. cap. Could be wrong about that one...

Overheating is an all too common problem with these old cars; but most often an easily remmedied one. Try your best to find a lower radiator hose with a spring in it as well. If none of these tips help out - listen to see if your water pump is making any funky sounds. You'll get to the bottom of it. And welcome to the forums!

 

Welcome to the classic forum. I had that very same problem when I first got my 65 years ago. The first thing I did was to flush out the engine, but that didn't help much. So, I took off the two row radiator and replaced it with a 4 row. That helped a bunch, but still over heated in stand still traffic. So, I added the recovery unit, and replaced the 4 blade fan with a 6 blade. That helped a bunch more, but still would not run cool in Texas heat in the summer with the aircon on. So, I added a shroud. Now, I am running cool as a cucumber. The cap is a 13 lb, and the thermostat is a 180 degree.

 

Texans: Cooling Mustangs on a global scale!

 

Easy now....About 75% of the guys on this forum are from Texas. Yeeehaaaa!

 

Yeah, an' I'm one of 'em!
Gidyup, y'all!

 

*Soaring slaps self up side the head* I knew that. Say, when is that Waco get-together this summer?

 

well using say a 170 stat made by mr gasket which has a bigger offict than stock...but I think a shoud would really help to help your fan pull air....a alumunim rad would help a great deal..as would aluminum part on the engine as well as larger exhaust...also if this is just a stock engine having your timing never stock will help....also a ebelbrock water pump could help

 

Yeah, if the timing is set too advanced, that will also cause overheating. But stock settings won't cause overheating. And, Vfast, are you talking about a header as opposed to the original manifold? Not too sure I follow you here.

 

Welcome to the forums!

1) T-stat would depend on the state and type of driving. I prefer a 190 but do not live in a hot and humid area.
2). 13 lbs cap
3). Seeing as this is your "new" toy. It would be time and money well spent to completely service the cooling system. Then adopt a good maintenance program.

Don't forget "retarded" ignition timing. Speaking specifically to timing, I've had more overheats due to retarded timing. Maybe it's just because I live in a "retarded" state
Or maybe it's because as the points wear the timing tends to retard, all by itself....naw, I'm pretty sure it's the retarded state I live in.
I'm not privledged enough to live in Texas. I'm only allowed visits every now and then. Gotta say, Texas is an awesome state!