The Ford Barn

rfitzpatrick · 04-04-2026, 01:42 PM

Changed out my Fan Belt and now the radiator temps never rise above 160 degrees -- even in Florida weather.

nkaminar · 04-04-2026, 02:26 PM

Something wrong with your thermometer?

JayJay · 04-04-2026, 02:56 PM

Sounds like maybe your old belt was slipping. Good enough reason to replace it.

katy · 04-05-2026, 11:09 AM

Install a 180° thermostat!

Mitch · 04-07-2026, 07:42 AM

I would think most people would be happy with that problem.

Ruth · 04-07-2026, 11:08 AM

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I don't like for my engines to run that cool.

JayJay · 04-07-2026, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitch

I would think most people would be happy with that problem.

I’d be delighted to have that issue. I’ve been pulling my hair out trying to figure out where my chronic overheating is coming from.

The Master Cylinder · 04-07-2026, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth

I don't like for my engines to run that cool.

I agree, You need to run your engine hot enough to boil off condensation and unburned fuel byproducts that naturally accumulate within the crankcase. If the oil does not reach a high enough temperature, these contaminants remain suspended, leading to sludge formation and accelerated engine wear.

nkaminar · 04-08-2026, 06:36 AM

Causes of overheating:

Bad radiator
Loose or worn out fan belt
Too retarded or too advanced timing
Too lean fuel/air ratio
Clogged radiator and/or engine
Rust, scale, sludge coating engine cooling cavities
Bad thermostat (enlarge holes in flange)
Bad water pump (highly unlikely)

04-04-2026, 01:42 PM	#1
rfitzpatrick Senior Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Coral Springs, Florida Posts: 747	This Is Embarrassing Changed out my Fan Belt and now the radiator temps never rise above 160 degrees -- even in Florida weather.

04-04-2026, 02:26 PM	#2
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 6,847	Re: This Is Embarrassing Something wrong with your thermometer? __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

04-04-2026, 02:56 PM	#3
JayJay Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 2,670	Re: This Is Embarrassing Sounds like maybe your old belt was slipping. Good enough reason to replace it. __________________ JayJay San Francisco Bay Area ------------------------ 1930 Murray Town Sedan (under reconstruction) 1931 Briggs S/W Town Sedan It isn't a defect, it's a feature!

04-05-2026, 11:09 AM	#4
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 6,071	Re: This Is Embarrassing Install a 180° thermostat! __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn!

04-07-2026, 07:42 AM	#5
Mitch Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 197	Re: This Is Embarrassing I would think most people would be happy with that problem.

04-07-2026, 11:08 AM	#6
Ruth Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Glide, Oregon Posts: 1,478	Re: This Is Embarrassing Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I don't like for my engines to run that cool. __________________ Ruth "Sometimes you really DO need to read the whole thread"

04-08-2026, 06:36 AM	#9
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 6,847	Re: This Is Embarrassing Causes of overheating: Bad radiator Loose or worn out fan belt Too retarded or too advanced timing Too lean fuel/air ratio Clogged radiator and/or engine Rust, scale, sludge coating engine cooling cavities Bad thermostat (enlarge holes in flange) Bad water pump (highly unlikely) __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.