Hello:

I have a 1977 Ford LTD II with a Ford 400 cu.in engine. This engine has always had a problem with its temperature when the car is stuck in a traffic jam. Is this normal for this engines? In heavy traffic I can't turn on the a/c because de temp rise fast and reaches the overheat range. What solution can you suggest? The 351C engine works cooler? can I add a pair of electro fans to aid in cooling in heavy conditions?

Thanks for your attention.

FRanklin.

An engine normally will run hotter bogged down in traffic in hot weather. However, you should be to run the AC without boiling over. Go over the basics. Is the fan belt tight? If it has a clutch, is it working? Are you running a mixture of water and antifreeze? The antifreeze also raises the boiling point. More water in the mixture might improve cooling, one part antifreeze to 2 or 3 of water. If the radiator clear? It and the cooling passages in the engine could have rust or lime in them. Flushing with an acid based flush could make a big difference. The outside of the radiator could also be plugged with bugs and dirt. Often you can blow the debris out with an air hose. Just be careful not to blow the dirt into your eyes. Finally, if the engine is running too rich or the timing too fast, it will cause overheating.

Before adding anything, make sure what you have is working as it should.

The real thing about it is do you sit there in traffic that hardly moves, well if you do and the trans stays engaged it'll heat up, if it has a fan attached to the engine, not electric fans, you can put in some electric fans to cool it down better in traffic. A 351 and a 400 will run basically at the same temp, but in the summer its better to have more water to antifreeze. In the winter a little more antifreeze to water. Or half and half is best. Make sure the hoses are not crimped or collapsing, also make sure that all the belts are tight, at least a inch of deflection by hand is good. And also the air conditioner will put more strain on the engine heating it up more. Make sure if your sitting for a while have it off to keep it cooler. Also make sure the oil is the grade recommended for high temps just to keep oil from burning off. Oh and another tip. Use the right heat range plugs in it.