96 still running hot! what can i do now?

MoonlightGT · May 1, 2007

well my 96 like to run too hot for my likeing, its runs between M-A "NORMAL" and its not even really hot here yet (75 degrees ). Ive got a new factory radiator that i put in 2 years ago because the old one leaked, its got a 180 degree stat and a fresh coolant flush last weekend and its still running hot. So now im prepared to spend some money. whats the cheapest way to fix this? a better rad? can i upgrade to the 97-98 cooling system? what do i need? is it worth it? HELP

19mustang95 · May 1, 2007

have you ever noticed your coolant running low often?

you may have a leak somewhere else

Downshift · May 1, 2007

Hmm something isnt right there man. Car shouldnt be running that hot with a 180 and a Fresh coolant flush.

19inchmustang · May 2, 2007

you might have a cracked head ???

ripper · May 2, 2007

Start with the obvious. Your coolant system is new so that cant be it. Check your fan. Make sure its coming on. Then your gauge. Maybe somthing is wrong with the gauge or the sensor.

ma97gt · May 2, 2007

Like Stevo stated, do the basic checks 1st... Does it heat up in stop and go traffic or all the time? If it cools off while cruising and heats in slower traffic, you have an airflow problem. I would check the AC condenser for blockage and check the fan. If it heats up all the time you most likely have a circulation problem. Plugged line collapsing hose or h20 pump not up to par....

gt96stang · May 2, 2007

You know, after I had to change my radiator out as well, it gets that hot... and I've got a 180 t-stat... I :dunno: i guessed as long as the fan is still coming on and cooling it off it'll be fine.. Coming soon will be a tuner to turn the fan on sooner so it keeps it cooler...

DropTopPony · May 2, 2007

The 96 cooling system sucks!!! If you complained or had problems under warranty they would give you the much improved 97 radiator and fan assembly.

I would just get a better radiator...i've been shopping them myself.
The new water pumps are a better design then the stock 96's too.

Also are you leaking coolant at all? Maybe you cracked your intake.

ripper · May 2, 2007

Now you see....... if i had read this before my new motor went in i would have put in a new radiator. I did do the new water pump though :thumb:

DropTopPony · May 2, 2007

yeah thats why i was shopping around since i'll have the car apart again. Dalamar put a nice one in his car and thats the one i think i'm getting.

ripper · May 2, 2007

I was smart enough to do water pump starter and motor mounts. I just didnt have a guy around thats done it before to know these things. These were my pre-sn95forums days lol.

badass98svt · May 2, 2007

Do the fan switch mod, so you can turn the fan on whenever you want.

Twista · May 2, 2007

badass98svt said:
Do the fan switch mod, so you can turn the fan on whenever you want.

Do oyu have a link with the directions? My 97 is the same as him. It normally drives in the MA position unless i kick the heat onto full blast. DUnno whats wrong with it.

badass98svt · May 3, 2007

Mnual fan switch mod...
http://mysite.verizon.net/txsnakecharmer/fan.htm
http://home.flash.net/~ivc1/cobra/fswitch.html

Here's a few more tips...
http://www.corral.net/tech/powerplant/tcool.htm

jfor441 · May 3, 2007

MoonlightGT said:
well my 96 like to run too hot for my likeing, its runs between M-A "NORMAL" and its not even really hot here yet (75 degrees ). Ive got a new factory radiator that i put in 2 years ago because the old one leaked, its got a 180 degree stat and a fresh coolant flush last weekend and its still running hot. So now im prepared to spend some money. whats the cheapest way to fix this? a better rad? can i upgrade to the 97-98 cooling system? what do i need? is it worth it? HELP

I have a 96 GT also and I am having the same exact issue. Guess I will need to look for a 97 radiator. My fan died on me last summer and I got a fan from a 97 GT last summer. It helped some but i still can't drive around town with AC without having to keep an eye on the temp guage.

DropTopPony · May 3, 2007

I think everyone with a 96 should just get one of these.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...RK:MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=190103698750&rd=1,1

jfor441 · May 3, 2007

That's actually a VERY good price. If shipping wasn't 40 bucks it would put 60 dollars cheaper than I have been able to find it.

DropTopPony · May 3, 2007

jfor441 said:
That's actually a VERY good price. If shipping wasn't 40 bucks it would put 60 dollars cheaper than I have been able to find it.

yeah i've shopped them for like 2 years and thats the best i've found even with the shipping included.

jrock02301 · May 6, 2007

did you make sure you got all the air out of the system sometimes air will just become heat pockets near the top of the engine causing an off reading just something to think about too before you go and buy and spend

Grnstang · May 8, 2007

You could do the manual switch fan deal, but you can also find a fan regulator from JEGs which you can set the fan to turn on at whatever temperature you want. I also have a 96 with the same deal and a 180 deg. thermostat. I think I'm going to try the regulator and set it turn on at 180. I'vee also heard the 2 core Fluidine's are awesome and would greatly reduce the temperatures.