Thermostat Installation?Running Hot at slow speeds?

[Fordtoughranger]

So I think I may have installed my thermostat upside down?
I positioned the tiny bypass hole at the bottom, but looking around TRS, it looks like it should be at the top acting as an air vent?
I know I should have paid more attention when removing it, but I was more concerned with the 2ea stripped out thermostat housing bolt holes from the previous owner. Luckily I was able to use longer bolts to reach good threads and get a good bite.

Plus if I did intsall this upside down could it be to blame for my overheating issues?
I replaced my single core radiator with my extra dual core one from an auto tranny, checked the thermostat, and put new fluid in hoping to solve the issue of it running around 225* in town driving, at which I turn the heater on full to keep it from going hotter.
I had to remove my fan shroud due to the radiator being thicker and my bodylift offsetting the alignment some, and I will be replacing the fan soon, due to cracks showing.

What would be the most likely cause of running hot at slow speeds?


Thanks, Fordtough

 

[Donnie strickland]

Yes, the vent hole should be on top.

Also, never run your engine without the fan shroud. That's a definitely a part of your problem.

 

[90ranger2.9]

If you put thermostat in with the spring section facing the engine you did it correctly. The fan shroud does effect cooling it helps pull air across the radiator with out it it pulls air from everywhere cutting down on the amount pulled threw the radiator. Also the fan clutch could be worn and not engaging all the way and pulling less air.

 

[289-tiger-]

Also check your heater core for clogs if pre 95. It is a by pass for the system. A quick by pass at the firewall at the core will eliminate that issue if it is the problem.

Good luck

 

[AllanD]

If you put thermostat in with the spring section facing the engine you did it correctly. The fan shroud does effect cooling it helps pull air across the radiator with out it it pulls air from everywhere cutting down on the amount pulled threw the radiator. Also the fan clutch could be worn and not engaging all the way and pulling less air.

He said upside-down, not backwards....

FWIW I ALWAYS cut off that little brass "dingle" in the air vent hole because I usually find the thing stuck in the closed position when I pull a T-stat out and that makes it the very devil to burp the air from the system

On my last T-stat I opened up the hole with a 0.200 drill bit.

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