I have the "hibachi" sytle grills in my hood but I do not have the radiator deflector panel installed. Is this causing or contributing to my overheating woes?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Rudy did you get my e-mail last night? If not just e mail me at pjndenise@yahoo.com and I will resend it. thanks Paul.
Rudy,
As everyone knows,radiators take cooling water heat and transfer it to cooler air, keeping the engine from overheating. The more air flow THRU the radiator the better. Shrouds on ALL sides of the radiator are a very good idea. You will derive the best cooling from the airflow entering the front grill area only if that air goes thru the radiator, not around it. Pantera cooling is THE issue of the breed, and everyone has their own 'worked for me' solution. But everyone will agree, the more airflow the better. I would certainly address this area. You may still have other issues to deal with later, but without this one solved, you really haven't taken care of Step 1.
Larry finch
As everyone knows,radiators take cooling water heat and transfer it to cooler air, keeping the engine from overheating. The more air flow THRU the radiator the better. Shrouds on ALL sides of the radiator are a very good idea. You will derive the best cooling from the airflow entering the front grill area only if that air goes thru the radiator, not around it. Pantera cooling is THE issue of the breed, and everyone has their own 'worked for me' solution. But everyone will agree, the more airflow the better. I would certainly address this area. You may still have other issues to deal with later, but without this one solved, you really haven't taken care of Step 1.
Larry finch
If your 'overheating' is occurring on the road at speeds over 25 mph, then yes, you need to direct all the air coming thru the grille to go through the radiator. If the problem occurs around town in stop & go traffic, you need bigger more powerful fans to shove more air through, and the lack of a deflector will hurt some. The vents on your hood do practically nothing to help either condition. But, what do you think defines "overheating?" Consider:
1)- Many Pantera engines (and other high performance brands) run just fine at 215-220.
2)- most Pantera water temp gauges lie unless calibrated in the car they will be used with.
3)- DeTomaso placed the water temp sender in the remote surge tank where it doesn't give a realistic engine temp. It needs to be in the block, under the thermostat where Ford engineers placed it.
IMHO, unless water spits out of the radiator cap while you're driving, or maybe when you park after a hard run, the car is NOT overheating. Rumbling and bumping under the car after you stop is usually a sign of low water in the system. Check the archives- this is THE most-discussed topic in Pantera-world since the '70s.
1)- Many Pantera engines (and other high performance brands) run just fine at 215-220.
2)- most Pantera water temp gauges lie unless calibrated in the car they will be used with.
3)- DeTomaso placed the water temp sender in the remote surge tank where it doesn't give a realistic engine temp. It needs to be in the block, under the thermostat where Ford engineers placed it.
IMHO, unless water spits out of the radiator cap while you're driving, or maybe when you park after a hard run, the car is NOT overheating. Rumbling and bumping under the car after you stop is usually a sign of low water in the system. Check the archives- this is THE most-discussed topic in Pantera-world since the '70s.