Newbie

[bonnie]

I have a 88 and have extreme overheating problems that I can't figure out she has a 351 in it please any suggestions.

 

[Skitter302]

Water pump, radiator, hoses, proper glycol mix. No extra pressure in the system caused by a bad head gasket.

 

[miesk5]

Yo Bonnie,
Welcome!
PINPOINT TEST B: ENGINE OVERHEATS
B1 CHECK COOLANT LEVEL

• NOTE: If engine is hot, allow engine to cool down before proceeding.
  Remove radiator cap and check coolant level at radiator coolant recovery reservoir.

Is coolant level OK?

Yes	No
GO to B2.	REFILL .

B2 CHECK COOLANT CONDITION

• Check coolant for contaminants such as rust or corrosion. Also, check for color discoloration.

Is coolant condition OK?

Yes	No
GO to B3.	FLUSH system. . RETEST system.

B3 CHECK FOR AIRFLOW OBSTRUCTION

• Visually inspect A/C condenser core and radiator for obstructions, such as leaves or bugs.

Is there any obstruction?

Yes	No
REMOVE obstruction and CLEAN A/C condenser core and radiator in the Cleaning and Inspection portion of this section. RETEST system.	GO to B4.

B4 CHECK WATER THERMOSTAT OPERATION

• Allow engine to run for 10 minutes.
• Feel the inlet and outlet heater water hose and the underside of the upper radiator hose.

Are the upper radiator hose and heater water hoses cold?

Yes	No
REPLACE water thermostat. REFER to Thermostat, Water in the Removal and Installation portion of this section. RETEST system.	LEAVE engine RUNNING. GO to B5.

B5 CHECK COOLING FAN

• Check for proper cooling fan clutch operation. Perform Fan Clutch Test. Available at radiator repair shops, Ford dealerships, etc.

Did cooling fan clutch operate OK?
With engine off and cool, spin the fan. A light resistance should be felt. If there is no resistance or very high resistance, the minimum and maximum fan speeds must be checked.
If the fan clutch was bad, it would run normal temp at high speed & heat up at low speed.

Yes	No
CHECK the following: Rust or scale in radiator Water pump shaft and impeller Collapsed lower hose	REPLACE fan clutch.

Here's the 1988 Dealer Brochure by Ford via Edwin Storm @ Hot Cars

Register with VIN to see most Ford dealer maintenance/repairs done @ any dealership nation-wide @ Welcome to Ford Owner | Official Ford Owner Site
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