You are here:

Classic/Antique Car Repair/1958 Ford Fairlane 500 V8 automatic 352 CID

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/27/2008


Question
QUESTION: The problem is over-heating at idling or at low speed (as in a parade) Never over-heats from 30-80 mph. Temperature will go up to 212 or higher at idling. Any suggestions as to the problem?

ANSWER: Does the car have a clutch fan installed? Let me know.
Brad

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

QUESTION: If you are referring to a clutch as in standard transmission, the car is an automatic. I don't know what you mean by a clutch fan. Thanks

Answer
A clutch fan is a device that goes in between the fan itself and the water pump pulley. It is a device that controls the speed of the fan. The 58 Ford has a relatively low engine idle speed meaning that the water pump is not turning very fast at idle. There are heavier duty fans, with more blades, that can be installed. Or you might want to use a lower temperature thermostat that cold help cool the engine better when idling. In my opinion it is not the radiator as a radiator circulation problem would show up at higher speeds not idle. One question, does the car have air conditioning? If so is it factory or after market add on? Let me know.
Brad

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.