Questioni have a 68 couger that overheats on long drives. i can only drive it for about an hour at a time. i bought it last month and it has a 302. is it the radiator? thermostat?? water pump??? what should i do??
AnswerHello Dante,
The causes for engine overheating are many but it's instructive that your car does not overheat immediately but only after heat soaking. I think the key to your problem is flow--there simply isn't enough coolant flow at speed to remove the heat. As I said the symptoms are many but here are the most common in order of frequency:
Blocked radiator/engine block: reverse flush the system including the heater core (heater is like a small radiator)
Radiator: Check after cleaning to see if still blocked. If so, either replace or have boiled out at a radiator shop
Partially open thermostat: replace, Don't eliminate
Broken, missing fan shroud
Water pump not flowing properly: replace
Radiator cap seal cracked and broken, not maintaining system pressure: Replace
If, after trying all of the preceding options, you have limited success, consider installing a electric radiator fan. They're available in most auto stores including Summit Racing.
Good luck with your Cat!
Bob
