Ford 3000 (Gas) Overheating

OakGrove

New User
Howdy Gents.

I'm a complete novice when it comes to mechanic work. Have a problem, hoping you can help. I've been all over the internet and this forum trying to figure it out, hopefully it's simple.

My early 70's Ford 3000 completely overheats and will nearly shut down after 20 minutes or so of running. Radiator overflow will start flowing coolant full of bubbles.

I replaced the radiator cap, upper hose and thermostat. Baffles are clear of debris. Belt seems tight and fan is running fine. Have correct coolant levels and mix.

I took a video at the link below with the radiator cap off. I cut it down to save viewing time but the total run time for the tractor under no load was just over 5 minutes before the bubbles show up - the thermostat seems to be working as it shows starting to overheat at the time the radiator starts to overflow.

Can ya help me?

https://youtu.be/hTspX_1qvaY[/quote]
 

Didn't really see anything wrong in the video, stick a light in the back side of the radiator by the fan then look through the front side to see if you can see the light.
I've had more over heating issues with plugged radiators than any thing else.
On gas engines ignition timing can cause over heating also.
 
you did not run the video long enough to convince me of a leak...
At appears at one point the thermostat opens a bit and circulation starts, then the shuts off and circulation stops... As it opens, it can general some foam initially from the flow is normal. You need to run the engine up to 1200 rpms to generate enough heat, to keep the flow going and thermostat open to get a good test on a "slight leaker". At one point I may have saw a bubble but again the flow stopped. So if you have a leak, its very small or minor.. but if it leaks as all, it needs fixing. new head gasket at mininum.

First off run a compression test to see which if any cyls are low. check timing as if retarded it will heat badly under load. AS others, the radiator core fins must be clean and see daylight through them,,, no mud, dirt, grease or chaff... NO NOT use high pressure to clean them or you will bend the fins closed and cause more problems. If no more bubble appear than what you showed, I would get a test strip the measures for combustion gases in the radiator as did not show enough to convince me.
 
The only thing wrong I could see in the video was that the radiator was too full. When cold, fill the top tank no more than half way. This
will keep it from pushing water out the overflow, which is completely NORMAL when the radiator is too full to start with.

As for the "overheat" part, it could be simply an incorrect gauge indication. Take a close look inside your fuel tank and then look at your
gauge. Does the fuel gauge read high? If so, you've discovered your problem, and it is not really overheating. You have a faulty voltage
stabilizer behind the dash cluster.
 
Are you filling the radiator to near the top? If so, that's too full. Fill it so that the level is just about 3/4" to 1" above the core.
 
Overfilling the radiator will cause coolant to spill over and out, but it won't cause actual overheating. One thing that wasn't suggested is check your lower radiator hose for collapsing. Squeeze it, it should be firm. If it's soft and easy to pinch closed, replace it.
 

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