I replaced the Radiator a year ago and haven't driven it much since. Fan was replaced from a 4 blade to a big block 6 or 7 blade (more air, that's the point). I also put a longer spacer on to make sure the fan is as close to the radiator as possible. I haven't changed the radiator cap yet as I've really seen no reason even though I'm told by quite a few people that when I flush it (which I've done 4 times) I need to replace the cap. The water pump is working fine since there is no noise, no wobbling in the shaft and the water flows very quick inside the radiator. The antifreeze mixture ratio is as close to 50% as I can get it, bit probably a bit over seeing as I don't do a scientific measurement when adding.
I can't see any leaks, and all the coolant hoses are new (2 of them), and made sure to clamp the hoses at the round part of the inlet and outlet pipes, not the part where they're going into the radiator which is elliptical.
The thermostat is an OEM type 180deg, I don't have a fan shroud yet (talked to the owner of a similar year mustang with similar engine, his has a 4.7L 289), and my engine size is 5.0L 302. I thought about replacing the thermostat with that of a higher temp so that the coolant stays in the radiator longer, but that's only a theory. I'm still somewhat confused and intrigued by the radiator cap being an issue.
Being stuck in traffic is by far the worst, I watch my AutoMeter mechanical temp gauge climb from 190F to about 210F just idling, I was told this is normal but I also again don't really know what normal for this car is besides my idea which is that of it being scary to drive for these reasons.
I've heard from a few sources to run without a thermostat, one being this; http://www.troubleshooters.com/toverheat… (2nd paragraph after Summary of Overheating)
I can't see any leaks, and all the coolant hoses are new (2 of them), and made sure to clamp the hoses at the round part of the inlet and outlet pipes, not the part where they're going into the radiator which is elliptical.
The thermostat is an OEM type 180deg, I don't have a fan shroud yet (talked to the owner of a similar year mustang with similar engine, his has a 4.7L 289), and my engine size is 5.0L 302. I thought about replacing the thermostat with that of a higher temp so that the coolant stays in the radiator longer, but that's only a theory. I'm still somewhat confused and intrigued by the radiator cap being an issue.
Being stuck in traffic is by far the worst, I watch my AutoMeter mechanical temp gauge climb from 190F to about 210F just idling, I was told this is normal but I also again don't really know what normal for this car is besides my idea which is that of it being scary to drive for these reasons.
I've heard from a few sources to run without a thermostat, one being this; http://www.troubleshooters.com/toverheat… (2nd paragraph after Summary of Overheating)