Cooling system cleaning

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fbcoach68

Member
I have a recently rebuilt 289 in a '66 Mustang. The 3 core radiator and water pump were new when I installed the motor. The motor ran between 180-190 degrees. After a few months the temp started creeping up. I checked the fluid level and saw rust debris in the radiator clogging the cooling passages. I took the radiator out had it taken apart and cleaned, drained the motor and put new coolant back in. Now six months later I have the same situation. Any suggestions on how to get fix this?
 
The guys on the early V8 forum have this solution. Drain the radiator, and both sides of the block. Flush with clear water and drain. Fill the entire system with white vinegar, put the cap on and take the car for a thirty mile drive. Drive home and drain and flush again. This time the crud should be gone.
 
Merlin, I agree it was not cleaned properly before assembled. I guess that is what I get for a buddy with a machine shop deal. I will try the white vinegar idea, thanks. Wait a second this isn't a new guy prank is it?
 
You could try wood bleach, which is oxylic acid. This acid was used as a radiator flush years ago. I understand GM dealers still use it. It is available at home improvement stores.
 
Got the block all flushed out and the coolant is clean and chunk free. The car was running cooler but the temp would still start to creep sitting in drive thru or idling for a long time. Not very much air was being pulled through the radiator at idle. I think the fan spacer I had was for a car with a fan shroud because of the distance the fan was from the radiator but I did not have one on the car. I put a factory fan shroud on the car last weekend. The depth of the blades into the shroud was perfect with the spacer I already had. Now at idle (about 600 rpm) I can feel significant air flow from the front of the raditor. I think I am in good shape. Thanks for the help.
 
Fan shrouds are worth their weight in gold ! They make a huge difference in air flow . I have one to put into my 55 Ford when the new engine goes in . I also have an electric fan I thought about installing on the grill side of the radiator with an on/off switch under the dash as a back up if I get stuck in traffic and the temps start going up . You really won't see it unless you will be looking for it .
Just an idea .

Jim
 
If you are one of those guys that like to show how slow your engine will idle, YOU could be the problem ! You will have heating at idle. Most guys do run their idle too slow.
At slow idle, the water pumps hardly pump water at all. Also, the fan is not pulling in as much air. Just try speeding up your idle and your problem might be solved.
MIKE :)
 
I think I have the problem solved. The motor is a stock 289 2V except that it has dual exhaust. The car is my teenage sons first car so I did not want to give him to much horsepower. The in gear stock spec for an automatic is 475-500 rpm according to the Ford manual. So at 600 rpm it is a little higher.
 
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