I just put an aluminum radiator in my 87 FC.. before i did it the temp would be at 1/4 all the time.. but now after the install, while driving its a little over 1/3 and at idle it will be about 1/2.. what could be happening? is this normal??

 

Did you take the shroud off when you changed radiators? If so then I think we found your problem. Without that it gets MUCH less airflow over the radiator.

A radaiator needs 5 times more air then water to cool properly.

Otherwise i don't know what the problem is.

 

yes the shroud is back on there..i shouldve added that on hot days (like right now) that it stays at 1/2 in idle and drops a little while i drive.. but at nights it stays around 1/3

 

do you have an aftermarket water temp gauge?

 

no i dont

 

the only things that can really do that is the shroud, an air bubble, a faulty thermostat, or the fan clutch.

 

ive got the shroud, a new thermostat, and the fan works.. maybe i do have an air bubble in there

 

Stop giving us guesstimates on what your exact temps are.
Staring at the stock water temp gauge and telling us "1/4" or "1/3" is next to useless.
Get an aftermarket temp gauge and report back to us more exact numbers.


-Ted

 

just buy an electric duel blade fan...or a big single blade...all your problems go away...