1977-1979 Ford and Mercury - Need help--Overheating after 5 miles!!!!

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Need help--Overheating after 5 miles!!!!

Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Model Specific Forum
Forum Name: 1977-1979 Ford and Mercury
Forum Description: Technical discussion for 1977-1979 Ford and Mercury
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=931
Printed Date: 18-April-2024 at 12:45PM
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Topic: Need help--Overheating after 5 miles!!!!

Posted By: 79Cougar302
Subject: Need help--Overheating after 5 miles!!!!
Date Posted: 05-February-2007 at 4:25AM

HI ---all I just got a 79 Cougar with 302.

It is also overheating after about 5 miles....I checked the radiator-- I got good flow.....it maybe low on oil......can't check it ......

Where is the engine oil dip stick location??????

I looked all over---I think it is possible missing..............

....plus little water coming out of the muffler.......it could be a head gasket problem?????? Will that cause the over heating????

Thanks for your reply!!!!

Replies:

Posted By: Psquare75
Date Posted: 05-February-2007 at 5:19AM

Some questions..

1. How do you know you have "good flow"?

2. Dipstick is in the timing cover, front of the distributor on a 302, IIRC.

3. A little water is normal on startup.

Dumb but necessary questions.

Radiator clear in front?

Does it overheat if sitting still?

-------------
Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD*
78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1
79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1
'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500

Posted By: 79Cougar302
Date Posted: 05-February-2007 at 9:41AM

Thanks 75!

I don't know i have good flow ---the top on the radiator is getting hot water is what a meant.

Radiator is clear but I will double check....

Someone suggests it must be the thermostat...

Do you think it could be the problem??

It could I guess be very low on oil........I will search for the dipstick again........

Thanks in advance...........

Posted By: Psquare75
Date Posted: 05-February-2007 at 11:00AM

It could very well be the thermostat.

When it's idling, from a cold start, feel the top hose.. it should start out cold, then all of a sudden become very warm.

You may even notice it on the temp gauge.. slowly increasing, until it hits a certain point... then it'll have a slight drop.. and stay steady.

-------------
Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD*
78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1
79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1
'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500