TB Cooling Problems

[Smedley]

Hi wonder if anyone has had similar issues. Im on my 3rd, soon to be 4th Thermostat housing on my 2005 TB. They seem to spring a leak after a short time. Im starting to think there may be an underlying issue with overheating warping the plastic housing. The engine does seem very hot after a short run, unyet the temp gauge reads normal. Weirdly I sometimes think the engine gets hotter for a while after Ive turned it off, I can smell the hot engine to the extent Im worried to park in the garage. Sometimes get that wiff at the lights.
Im taking it back to the shop on Monday, I think they need to check the t/stat is actually working, I know from past experience it the plastic housing warps the t/stat jams.
Any ideas of why Im running hot? Any other thoughts?
Cheers
Go English Lionesses !.

[BillyL]

I also have changed out the thermostat housing and thermostat three times on my 2004 bird. The original one lasted 16 years. The second one, a aftermarket unit by Dorman lasted less than two years. Last year when it failed, I made sure the shop replaced it with OEM motorcraft parts. Costs a little more and I had to wait for parts to get delivered, but still good.
These engines run hot by design and I think the temp gauge on the dash is as "idiot light" as it will stay in center of range until engine overheats. Then the needle goes up and the idiot dash lights come on at the same time, too late, damage done. I ordered a digital thermometer that connects to terminal under the dash and reads real time temperature continuously. I am regaining confidence in the car and trusting the reliability as I drive it by being able to monitor the temperature.

[Brad]

I'm guessing they aren't properly "burping" the system of air after installing. Air trapped in the housing will cause it to get incredibly hot

[JerriLampon]

If I remember correctly, one of the delays for getting the 11th generation Thunderbird to market was a cooling problem.
In that same vein, anyone who has had their bumper cover off, what is blocking air flow behind the grille beginning at the third row from the top and
is it absolutely necessary?
'Just curious.

[Elky64]

I agree w/ Bob. My experience is that the air must all be out of the cooling system. Usually done thru burping or bleeding. Check past tech forum notes as there is lots of past notes on this.
Al

[Smedley]

Thanks for the feedback, actually I had a bloke at Belle tire look at it yesterday when I was getting a tire with a screw in the sidewall replaced, and he did confirm the housing was Dorman and he didnt think much of them. Ill talk to the shop about replacing under warranty but Ill pay for the uplift to the OEM part. They are pretty good so Im sure theyre 'burping' the system but just in case , is there a specific procedure for the TB or just general stuff?

cheers
Smed.

[JerriLampon]

If I remember correctly, one of the delays for getting the 11th generation Thunderbird to market was a cooling problem.
In that same vein, anyone who has had their bumper cover off, what is blocking air flow behind the grille beginning at the third row from the top and
is it absolutely necessary?
'Just curious.

[Bobnoir1]

If I remember correctly, one of the delays for getting the 11th generation Thunderbird to market was a cooling problem.
In that same vein, anyone who has had their bumper cover off, what is blocking air flow behind the grille beginning at the third row from the top and
is it absolutely necessary?
'Just curious.

It's referred to as an isolator, a riding foam piece that sits in front of the real impact bumper. I see no reason it couldn't be cut lower in the center to allow more air flow to the radiator. Or does most of the radiator cooling come from the intake in the lower part of the bumper cover?
s-l1600.png
I'd go with the "burping" resolution first.

[BillyL]

Smedley, to answer your question, there is a written ford procedure for 'burping" the coolant system. I am sure it is in the shop manual and I think I remember seeing it posted here on the forum in the past. Post if you cannot find it and I will look for you.
Also, the portable OBD2 meter I referred to is a ANCEL P10 OBD2 Hub bought at Walmart for $30.00. Handy unit for monitoring temperature as well as reading and clearing engine codes.

[BillyL]

Smedley, Did you find the information you need? It is in the shop manual as a ten step procedure. Trapped air in the system definitely a common problem and first suspect. I also place a large piece of cardboard under the car when parked to check for leaks. A very small drip will cause that hot smell when parked. The thermostat range is opening at 187f and not fully open until 219f per shop manual. I find my car stays in the 220 - 230f range and ,yes, it will go up a couple degrees when engine first shut off before cooling down. Let us know what you find.

[007Cruiser]

I just add a few ice cubes to take up the extra space.

[Brad]

Although I've gotten lucky and successfully burped the system it's best to have it done by a professional with the correct machine. It basically pulls a vacuum before adding the coolant.

Most overheating is caused by leaks that create air pockets. Best diagnosed with adding a dye to the system under pressure, takes about 10 minutes

[BillyL]

I agree with Brad. If you suspect a leak it is best to have the system pressure tested with a dye additive. You also need to ask the shop what procedure they use to fill and air vacate the system. Not all shops have and/or use the vacuum pump to properly fill system and many are not aware of the unique degassing procedure needed for these birds. I always have that discussion and provide my shop manual for their reference.
Call me eccentric, but I routinely check the level in the degas bottle before and after driving the bird as an extra precaution.

[Bobnoir1]

If I remember correctly, one of the delays for getting the 11th generation Thunderbird to market was a cooling problem.
In that same vein, anyone who has had their bumper cover off, what is blocking air flow behind the grille beginning at the third row from the top and
is it absolutely necessary?
'Just curious.

Ah, I just found an example of the front bumper cover off the 'Bird. It's from Chip Foose's collection.
The real (metal) bumper is also directly behind the grille, so it does indeed seem most of the air flow
to cool the radiator goes through the lower grille opening.

All front off.jpg

[BillyL]

Smedley, What was the outcome to your problem?