1996svt

So, here's my issue. The day I was putting my Cobra away for winter (thanks to canada), it started overheating. Some of my symptoms are as follows; overheating (obviously haha), the upper rad hose is very hot but it never expanded or felt "full", if that makes any sense (making me believe the thermostat wasn't the issue). There was minimal coolant loss, there was only a bit near the top of the rad.

Also, an intriguing symptom was that when it started to heat up, I tried turning on the heat to alleviate the temperatures a bit, but I had no hot air coming through. This makes me believe that my heater core may be the culprit.

The fan is working and blows in the correct direction.

I'm not sure if this is connected to the heat issue, but sometimes the car will just turn over and not start. After many times of jump starting as a last resort, I found that if I put the gas to the floor and then cranked it, it would start.

Basically, I'm just looking for some words of wisdom. I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts to what I may look for. I won't be taking it to the garage til the weather gets better, I'm just trying to prepare myself for what I may have to spend.

Thanks for taking the time to read my lengthy post, any help is MUCH appreciated!

paddy_boy

I also own a 96 Cobra and have noticed that it runs hot sometimes, at least according to the temp gauge. There was a recall of some kind on the original 96 Cobra radiator. Check with a Ford dealer via your VIN# and see if your car was retrofitted with a 97-spec radiator, which apparently fixed the problem. I just talked to a Steeda guy the other day about their replacement radiator for the 96, and he said that their replacement radiator (Fluidyne aluminum, $400 +) will solve the problem. I plan on getting one for my car eventually - don't want my aluminum block to fry! Don't know if that helps with your specific question, but just my 2 cents.

Blackvenom01

friend of mine has the same problem with overheating...i dont think the other issues are related though..you could try a lower thermostat and have you takin it to a dyno tuner they can see alot that you cant and add plenty of suggestions from what they see