71 Bronco overheating - Ford Forums

rangerbinko · 05-05-2007, 20:26

Folks, I have a 1971 Ford Bronco. Straight 6 170, 3 speed. It keeps overheating. I have replaced the radiator (original size), water pump, thermostat, hoses, and flushed the system.

There is no water in the oil, or oil in the water, no smoke from tail pipe. I have had this problem with Ford straight 6's before. But I'm needing help on this one. I'm running 70% water, 30% anti-freeze, and a 180 degree thermostat.

My next step is a aluminum V8 radiator. Any suggestion is welcome.

bedjh1 · 05-08-2007, 03:29

how far is fan from radiator. do u have fan shroud? check timing, too much advance will cause it, also chek gauge accuracy or replace

rangerbinko · 05-08-2007, 13:07

The timing is good. The fan is in the stock location, but no fan shroud was used with the straight 6's only the V-8's.

I still haven't solved the problem. I'm trying a better fan. If that doesn't make it, I'll try an electric fan, then move to a larger radiator if it still doesn't cool well.

Thanks for the response. If you think of anything else, please let me know.

rangerbinko · 05-10-2007, 13:08

I think I figured it out. Somebody had installed a "flex" fan on the truck. As I understand it, a flex fan should be used with a shroud on high speed engines. So I've ordered the original 170 fan from JBG. I'll let you know how it turns out.