Car still overheats, why?

O.D. Showtime

Founding Member
Mar 31, 2002
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I just had my coolant system, both the radiator and block, flushed. New coolant and distilled water were put in, at a 60/40 water to coolant ratio. I have a Fluidyne radiator and a 180 degree thermo., but the car still runs very hot, almost to the "L" in NORMAL on the gauge. Anyone know what could be the problem? Cooling fan? Please help. Thanks.
 
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At what location did you add the new coolant/water? Hopefully you filled it up at the coolant crossover tube (vent plug) location and NOT at the overflow tank. If you did fill it up at the overflow, drain the radiator and refill it at the crossover tube location!

Additionally, once you fill it at the crossover tube location, it is possible that you may still have a few air bubbles in the system which will require you to "burp" the cooling system. To do this, run the engine with the vent plug removed - manipulate the throttle as the car comes up to temp and watch for tiny air bubbles (and a little bit of coolant, as well LOL) exit at the vent plug. You will want to place a catch pan underneath to catch any antifreeze that spills out.

Don't be surprised if it takes a couple of times to completely "burp" out all of the air bubbles.


:cheers:
 
Thanks for the help. I didn't put the coolant/water in my car, a mechanic did. I also found out he filled the system through the coolant reservoir tank. Are there any other negative consequences in doing so, other than getting air bubbles? I'll try burping the system today, and maybe throw in some water wetter.
 
O.D. Showtime said:
...I also found out he filled the system through the coolant reservoir tank...


Doh! :doh: That's exactly why you are/were having overheating issues. :D Your mechanic must not be informed about how to refill the cooling system on these vehicles, as they are VERY FINICKY if you do not do it properly.

For anyone else reading: The cobra cooling system is filled at the coolant crossover tube, not at the coolant resevoir tank.


To correct your mechanic's mistake, drain the radiator and refill at the vent plug on the crossover tube. You will see coolant start to fill the resevoir tank eventually, when it reaches the top you can cap it off (the resevoir tank). Then contintue to pour in coolant (SLOWLY!) at the crossover tube, until it starts to trickle out from the top. You should start the engine up, set the heater to full blast, gradually work the throttle by hand, and watch for trapped air bubbles ("burping") rise to the top and out of the crossover tube. You *may* have to burp the system (by removing the vent plug) once or twice more after the initial burping process to eliminate all of the trapped air in the system.

That should do it! :cheers:
 
The coolant system on these DOHC motors is a real pain. COBRA90GT is exactly right. One note on burping the car...

Once you've used the method of running the car with the crossover unplugged, cap it off and allow the car to come up to operating temperature (thermostat open) with the heater on high. Once it is warm, shut her down and allow to completely cool. When the car is stone cold, check the level in your crossover tube. If it remains relatively full, then you're all set. If the level has went down, you still have some filling/burping to do. Some get it on the first try, while others have to repeat this several times.

If you still have problems with overheating or burping coolant out of the reservoir, you'll want to replace your overflow cap and overflow tank. In lieu of replacing the tank, you can also wrap the threads with Teflon tape.
 
I have an issue currently with my 01 vert... I just went through and filled the system after it was overheating.. I would also like to Add that everyone has to make sure you disconnect the "quick" connect on the input side to the heater core going into the passenger side of the car, and then reconnect it when it starts to show fluid running out of it. it's the "right hand side "connector when viewing the car from the front and is located at the firewall on the passenger side of the engine.. It is also listed in the proper method of changing the coolant by Ford in the service manuals...


By my current problem is that My electric fan has died and no voltage is showing up at the coil/relay piece located at the fan itself.. I checked all fuses and such but ... I guess the dealer will have to solve this lil problem..

Anyone have a suggestion about the fan ??