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Question
My '66 Mustang's been overheating lately. The radiator's pretty new, I have a 16 pound cap on it, the thermostat's also pretty new, and the engine was rebuilt about six months ago. I'm putting a shroud on it, but I think there may be something else wrong with it because it recently overheated on a longer trip where I was moving most of the time, so there was constant air flowing through the grill. A good amount of heat was coming into the car the whole time like the heat was on. Not too long ago, the engine got louder and performance seemed to drag a little bit. I don't know if it may be exhaust problems, or a gasket, or if it may be as simple as a clogged up air filter or improperly adjusted carburetor. I really can't afford to have all of these possibilities checked out, so if you have a good idea of what it might be, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
To save time, but still give you all the detail on overheating issues, I am referring you to the answer I submitted to the client just ahead of you: "Ford engine runs hot". The comments made are general ones relating to cooling system performance and the role played by effective preventative maintenance.
On the matter of the other performance issues, I would suggest that an investment is needed, not so much of money but of time and dedication. When one drives an older vehicle, especially a performance vehicle or a classic, the owner really needs and should want to learn about the vehicle and its care. As it happens, there are a number of good guides and technical handbooks on the fundamentals of carburetion (and their adjustment), ignition systems And timing), and engine operation. Basic test instruments such as a tachometer, timing light and a vacuum gauge are not that pricey either. Why not visit a good auto parts supplier and check them out?
Air filter elements are not expensive. Fuel is. As to damage to engines that could have been prevented, you do not want to think about that.
Look after that Mustang! Good luck ... EGK
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Answers by Expert:
Ernest (Ernie) Kenward
Expertise
The challenges I most enjoy are thoughtful technical questions of a trouble-shooting nature in both electrical, power electronic and mechanical systems, mainly automotive but also machine control and small-machine PLC applications. Please note, however, that I am NOT a walking shop manual! I DO, however, make it a point to have those manuals and other service literature for those vehicles I DO own, and highly recommend that anyone serious about maintenance or modification of their vehicles do the same; MOST of your answers WILL be found there. For that matter, I do NOT go out of my way to acquire shop manuals for any vehicle I do NOT own! That being the case, any general query to me along the lines of "What is the meaning of this code read from the ECU of my 2015 XYZ?" or "Where is the fuse for the windshield washer pump found?" (try your car's electrical distribution panel for a start!) will not go far. What I do offer is a pretty good collection of literature, insights and hands-on experience with 1950s to 1980's Ford products (plus a developing database of information and practice with the Mercedes diesel cars), along with an engineering perspective and the ability to design and implement custom control, electrical and mechanical subsystems for vehicles. For that reason, I am happy to make my thoughts and efforts available to those who are of like mind and/or are seriously making a point of learning about their vehicles. Use the Opportunity to Learn!
Experience
A key skill in my work and hobby pursuits both is STRATEGIC TROUBLESHOOTING. I am a senior instructor in Electrical Engineering Technology at a leading Canadian polytechnic, my areas being Electrical Power and Industrial Control, electrical and electronics design and manufacturing, and AutoCAD and related CAD/CAE software - plus equipment problem-solving and new equipment design and prototyping.
Hobby-wise, I have 30-plus years of experience in auto restoration, mostly in electrical and mechanical systems. Ongoing projects include a 1959 Edsel Corsair, my 1978 Ford E250 class-B motorhome conversion, and the care and upkeep of my Mercedes 300CD.
My vehicles become engineering test beds for electrical and mechanical upgrades as ideas present themselves. This includes the design and production of circuit boards to restore or enhance features for which no OEM replacement parts are obtainable, or where better specifications or reliability can be had via newer concepts. Regarding the E250 RV conversion, I designed and continue to revise a custom power distribution system, managed by a Programmable Controller (PLC); this has made most revisions as easy as uploading new firmware as I develop it.
The "mini" PLC is a powerful device for custom automotive control systems. One good example (there are many) would be the Moeller "Easy Relay"; these offer a wealth of control, monitoring and variable-and-status display options for such projects. A good example project which has worked well is that one for my RV noted above, which has been on the job - revised in firmware only - for a decade now. It is a load management and charging control system to avoid the sulfation-induced early failure that often befalls deep-cycle batteries used in RV power applications. The battery installed in 2003 lasted long enough to more tnan pay for the PLC that contributed to its longer life ... and the PLC will be there for the next battery as well!
Organizations
IEEE - senior member ... past WCC Student Activities;
SME - senior member ... past chair, greater Vancouver chapter chair 318;
Edsel Owners' Club - have served in various capacities on chapter executive during seventies;
have been Power and Driveline resource on the Edsel Owners' Club "E-team" for more than a decade.
Education/Credentials
Graduate of UBC
Awards and Honors
Certificates of appreciation from IEEE and SME for work in student and chapter activities
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