1988 Ford Mustang A/C Overheating

FORD MUSTANG
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STROKEDMUSTANG
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I have a 1988 mustang gt. The car has about 190,000 miles. The motor has been rebuilt and only has 15,000. We rebuilt it to a stroked 347, with a mild cam. The problem i am having is that when i turn on my a/c my water temp goes way up, sending the temp gauge one notch below the red. What do i need to do to fix this problem?
[img:f306cdaac9]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/65525_DSCN0550_1.jpg[/img:f306cdaac9]
Mar 23, 2007 at 1:25 AM
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MERLIN2021
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What cooling fan do you have? If you have a clutch fan...time to replace the clutch!
Mar 23, 2007 at 6:15 AM
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STROKEDMUSTANG
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I have already replaced the mechanical fan with an electric.
Mar 23, 2007 at 6:21 AM
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MERLIN2021
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Have you actually measured the temp? Seeif you can find somebody with an infared thermometer, If you are overheating only when you run the A/C, and you installed an electric fan, it either must kick into high or you need a second electric fan for the A/C.
Mar 23, 2007 at 6:31 AM
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STROKEDMUSTANG
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I still have the, new, but factory radiator and with the timing being up with the different cam do you think installing an aluminum radiator would help?
Mar 23, 2007 at 6:42 AM
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MERLIN2021
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Depends on how many more cores, if any than the one you have...is it wider? from front of cooling fins to the back? If so it would'nt hurt. While youre at it try a cooler thermostat!
Mar 23, 2007 at 6:46 AM

Suggested Repair

Verify the actual temperature with an infrared thermometer. With an electric fan, make sure it switches to high speed when the A/C is on, or add a second electric fan for A/C use. A wider or higher-core aluminum radiator may help, and a cooler thermostat is also worth trying.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1988 Ford Mustang GT with a rebuilt stroked 347 and mild cam reports the temperature gauge rising nearly to the red only when the A/C is on. The mechanical fan was already replaced with an electric fan, and the factory radiator is new. The expert advises measuring the actual temperature, ensuring the electric fan goes to high speed or adding a second A/C fan, and considering a wider radiator plus a cooler thermostat.

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