Under heating, not over heating

[floktndr]

Motor won't warm up past 130-140*. Thought t-stat was stuck open, took it out today and it closed as tight as a clam. Relevant info: 88TC adorning a 72 Ford Courier, oversize two core aluminum rad, manual rad fan (will be changing to clutch fan at earliest convenience), only bypass in system is coolant line to turbo and that returns to block, t-stat is rated at 192*. Motor got up to 140* yesterday and that was with cardboard in front of rad. Could use some insight on this crittur. Thanks.

[Stinger]

So you've got an "always spinning" fan and an oversized radiator? I can't help but think that combination is the culprit.

[floktndr]

I have thought about that, but when I first got this running in the spring it didn't do that. It would get up to temp and hold steady, at that time I had an 180 degree stat in it. Then I figured what the heck, higher temp supposed to give better mpg, but now it won't make temperature.

[Stinger]

If the only thing changed was the t-stat then I'd start there. Either test it in hot water or replace it.

Also note there are two different t-stat types for 2.3's and the wrong one being installed will leak when cold which could cause this issue.

A mechanical fan will still make this issue worse, and cost quite a bit of power.

[floktndr]

I am going to replace the t-stat and the fan is going bye-bye very shortly. Am hoping that will make a difference, as suggested.

[onesillynotch]

things when i was always cool that i did to fix it

1- the housing for the t stat. make sure its a OEM ford. a decent amount of people including myself have issues with the stat sealing to the point where its always "open"
2- put a restrictor (oem came with one, most people dont have on installed anymore) in the feed pipe to the heater core, slowing down and adding some resitance made a large diffrence for not just temp, but heat operation also.
3- check to make sure you have the right stat, their are 2 different ones

[floktndr]

Figured out why my motor used to run at normal temp with the 180 degree t-stat. I had my radiator only half full. I have since changed t-stat and have went with a clutch fan for cooling. The running too cold syndrome still exists. Does anyone know where I can source a restrictor for the feed pipe to heater core that onesillynotch referenced?

On another note, I am boosting 20 psi, how do I put that in my avatar?

[Stinger]

I'm not sure if you can buy a restrictor. I've seen people use a socket in the line before and used the drive size (1/4", 3/8") to control flow.

The "boosting x psi" thing is based on post count. The more you post, the more boost.