You are here:

Classic/Antique Car Repair/mustang running hot and heater does not work

Advertisement

Expert: - 8/18/2008


Question
QUESTION: I have a 1966 200cid automatic mustang that seems to run around 190-215. I replaced the thermostat with a 160 degree one and changed the radiator to an aluminum v8 type but still have the original fan, running 60/40 water to antifreeze, and added a bottle of water wetter moving it's fine at a light it starts to climb in temperature. I do live in Arizona but what else can I try to get the temp. down? Also the heater does not blow hot air the fan goes great but no heat?

ANSWER: I have a couple of questions. Do you have a fan schroud on the radiator? Is the fan a direct drive or a fan clutch?
Let me know and we will go from there.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The 200cid does not have a fan shroud and the fan is a direct drive.

Answer
It sounds like two problems. The heater could be a plugged core. The fix is to replace the core. If the engine only gets hot when idling, I would first check the fan and make sure that it is installed correctly so that it draws air in from the front and blows it out over the engine. I have seen more than one fan installed backwards. Let me know.

Classic/Antique Car Repair

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.