Ok so my 2001 mustang keeps overheating, my dad told me to take the thermostat out to see if that was the problem. So i took the thermostat out and the temp still got up to normal operating temp. Then coolant started leaking where the thermostat goes and squirting out and it was pretty hot. So i was wondering if it could be my radiator should i replace it or get a coolant flush, but i heard a coolant flush doesnt really do much.

 

Check the thermostat by tossing it into a pot of water, then bringing it up to a boil. When it hits 170 ish, it will open prety quick, and all the way. If it doesn't do that, it's bad. I won't run it with the thermostat out too much.

Next I'd look at the coolant flush so you have clean out your radiator. Also, wash the radiator fins with water from the outside to make sure it's not clogged up with dirt, leaves and junk. A good way to see if your coolant is moving is to take the radiator cap off, then start the car. When it starts pumping, you'll see current in the top of the radiator.

Third thing to look at if the first two check out is your water pump.

 

make sure your hoses are all good and not leaking.

check your fan and make sure that it is working properly as well.



1965 mustang-built 351 clevland, alum racing heads, pony interior, 60's in the rear 70's up front, 4 wheel disc, grab a track front suspenison, 5-leaf springs
i just wish i had a digital camera so I could show it.

 

i thought the stock t-stat was 190* so wouldn't it open at 190* not 170*

 

I was thinking they were 170, and people claimed the 'upgrade' was to 160. I could be wrong, you'd know better than I would.