Hey guys I finally got the carbed 302 in the ranger but of course with a few kinks to fix. Pretty much everything is new on it besides the 5.0 explorer radiator I feel like. Anyways it idles hot after a little bit. Its got a single electric fan (maybe not pulling enough air?) and a 180* thermostat. Not sure what the deal is, but when i drive around itll stay @ 190 depending on the outside temp (FL), but once i stop at a light itll pick up in temp. Let me know if you guys have any ideas. I think its just not pulling enough air but not sure.

 

Sounds like its no pulling enough air. if you hadn't just put the 302 in, i would say to change your antifreeze

 

Efan outta a crown Vic. Cheap kick *** 5.0 mod for the stangs. No mechanical fan and theres room

 

amen

 

Yes, on the fan mentioned above.

I was running a 180* in mine as well, it would NEVER get below 195, with electric fans and cruising.

I got tired of it overheating in the woods and threw in a 160* Tstat. Now it never runs over 160*.

Unless my fans decide to not turn on, but if I notice the temperature is over 170* I know my fans aren't running.

This damn traffic between Cocoa Beach and where I live is horrible at rush hour, thanks to the tanker taking out the 528 bridge, and I have my foot on the brake more than the gas and she stays nice and cool.

 

make sure electric fan is moving air in correct direction, easy error, easy fix, very common issue.

 

just needed more fan. lol so i added a 2nd fan. Fixed!

 

I have two as well, it still didn't do a thing for me.

I paid a nice chunk of change for the plasticless radiator and ended up dissapointed.

But if I have to run a 160* I'm content.

 

hmm well im not sure unless the fans arent pulling enough cfm like mine was. Initially it was only 1k, now its a little over 2k. But if it runs with 160* then no big.

 

mine runs hot too,according to the factory guage. i hav a 2400cfm puller fan and hi flow 160 thermostat, 3 core radiator, high volume water pump....maybe a pusher fan in front of radiator would help, or maybe i need to get a mechanical temp gauge?

 

get a mechanical gauge. so itll give you accurate readings. Because from all the parts you have I would figure it would run cool. You have a bigger fan, bigger radiator, and bigger pump.

 

thanks, yeh it just doesnt make sense, but its possible the factory guage is wrong, at least thats what everyones tellin me.

 

running a large 3 core radiator and twin elect. fans and mine used to get a little hot when idling too,cured it by replacing the water pump with a hi flow water pump for police vehicles,and at advance auto I got a new not rebuilt for same price as the stock pump it called for

 

Mine runs hot too.I have three fans but I think its an air issue.Im going to run a single 16"fan and funnel the air directly through the radiator.I havent tried a high flow water pump yet.Ill let you know if it helps.

 

Try this… put some spacers at the hood mounting points, not too many about ¾” to 1” max and see if it helps. (opens up the air flow)

I found when I added the 5.0L to my ‘88STX there wasn’t enough air flow through the engine compartment. I lifted the rear of the hood and the temp dropped 10 degrees.

I sold the truck before I added a cowl induction hood to replace the spacers but the new hood or scoop would have worked too.
If I do the 5.0L conversion on my '03 EDGE I will open up the Power Dome and get more air moving.

 

that makes sense...good idea!