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OT Mechanics: significant water temperature rise after car turned off

Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:29 am
Posted by chinhoyang
Member since Jun 2011
26040 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:29 am
1966 Mustang 289 motor

When the car is running, it is in proper temperature range. But, when I turn it off, the temperature shoots up to the "high" mark or above (the original gauge does not provide actual water temperature). When I start it, it goes back to normal range in less than a minute.

I've been told "that's just the way it is." However, it puts a minor strain on the starter/battery to start it at that high a temperature. Is there something I can do to minimize this issue?

An electric fan is not an option as I want to keep the car in its original format.

Yes, I do realize that some temperature increase after the car is shut down is normal.
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
178850 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:30 am to
We call this Louisiana Summer.
Posted by Pedro
Geaux Hawks
Member since Jul 2008
39152 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:30 am to
ill give you $350 for it
Posted by Cajunhawk81
Member since Jan 2021
2511 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:35 am to
What in the Mid Life Crisis is going on here?
Posted by Woodlands Tigah
Tejas
Member since Mar 2021
1046 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:35 am to
Temp sending unit is bad.
Posted by Pvt Hudson
Member since Jan 2013
4924 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:37 am to
Not normal. Try replacing radiator cap and thermostat on the block first.

Make sure you have the right pSI on the cap and temp on the thermostat.

Rockauto will have the “stock” items.
Posted by Motorboat
At the camp
Member since Oct 2007
24160 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:37 am to
When you turn the engine off, the cooling mechanisms are also turned off. The fan no longer runs and the water pump no longer circulates coolant. I don’t know what else to tell you but science.
Posted by Obtuse1
Westside Bodymore Yo
Member since Sep 2016
30433 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:40 am to
Heat soak is normal and without an electric water pump that circulates after cutoff it will persist.

I have several 289s over the years (2V/4V/K-code) and never had one kill batteries or starters from hot starting. If yours does kill the starter just replace it with a high torque starter.

Posted by ShermanTxTiger
Broussard, La
Member since Oct 2007
11376 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:41 am to
I would assume the engine is still hot when turned off. The lack of coolant circulation probably makes them temp spike.
Posted by jbgleason
Bailed out of BTR to God's Country
Member since Mar 2012
20128 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 9:44 am to
quote:

science


This shouldn't have to be explained. If it bothers you enough just don't drive the car when it's over 90. Otherwise known as six months out of the year in LA.
Posted by chinhoyang
Member since Jun 2011
26040 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 1:50 pm to
quote:

Heat soak is normal and without an electric water pump that circulates after cutoff it will persist.

I have several 289s over the years (2V/4V/K-code) and never had one kill batteries or starters from hot starting. If yours does kill the starter just replace it with a high torque starter.



Thanks. I had never heard of the term "heat soak" before and I was able to find some good advice via google. This was one of the better tips:

"Simply idle the engine for one minute before shutting it down and then open the hood. Letting the engine run for just one minute will allow the cooling system to work and limit the thermal excursion. Since heat rises, opening the hood will allow it to travel into the atmosphere instead of being absorbed."
Posted by bayouvette
Raceland
Member since Oct 2005
5892 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 2:52 pm to
It nothing to with outside Temps... It will still do it in the dead of the winter.
Posted by Motorboat
At the camp
Member since Oct 2007
24160 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 3:27 pm to
quote:

It nothing to with outside Temps... It will still do it in the dead of the winter.


Word
Posted by glassart
Member since Apr 2021
690 posts
Posted on 8/25/22 at 3:33 pm to
Okay you have a couple things to think about.
Your thermostat and water pump would be the first place to look.
But those Mustangs ran hot because the stock radiators were too small. And this is the problem with owning a classic car. How much do you modify to make it better in 2022? An aftermarket radiator will give you better mpg. So will an electronic ignition. Disc brakes. Etc.

Keeping it original in Louisiana means it will always run hotter. I had a 1969 with the 289 that I converted to the more efficient 302.
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
74240 posts
Posted on 8/26/22 at 7:14 am to
I had a 67. Get a new temperature sending unit. It's super easy to change. Right there on top the engine.
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
74240 posts
Posted on 8/26/22 at 7:16 am to
Did you ever have trouble with power steering fire?

I had two engine fires due to my power steering hose hitting my header. Such a bad way to run it.

I miss that car. I thought I was getting a steal selling my 67 convertible 4v 289 for $7k in 1999.

I wonder what it would be worth now.
Posted by cable
Member since Oct 2018
9735 posts
Posted on 8/26/22 at 7:18 am to
quote:

1966 Mustang 289


nice car - my first car was a '67 289 that has been in my family since it was new. That thing got wrecked so many times that it was half bondo
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