[Qwik96]

I have read on here in a few threads that people mention an overheating problem in the 1996 models, but was corrected in 1997... Can someone please enlighten me as to what the problem is & what is the fix? My car has under drive pulleys which I heard may cause the temp gauge to read slightly higher than normal, but other than that nothing is wrong!

[BigSmith]

Originally Posted by Qwik96 I have read on here in a few threads that people mention an overheating problem in the 1996 models, but was corrected in 1997... Can someone please enlighten me as to what the problem is & what is the fix? My car has under drive pulleys which I heard may cause the temp gauge to read slightly higher than normal, but other than that nothing is wrong!

My NPI intake manifold was cracked and leaked out all my coolant and sent my temp up one day.. it would be a good thing to check

[96-GT_Josh]

I got a 96 with 198k miles on it. Its been in the family since 40k something miles and its never had any overheating issues and still shows no signs yet.

But like stated keep an eye on the plastic manifold.

[Blower Head]

I think what happened was they held over the radiator, ac condenser etc from the 95 model with the 5 liter. At one time there was a retro-fit kit from ford to correct the problem. I have heard this in not available anymore. I had the issue and corrected it with a high-flow water pump and a Fluidyne radiator.

[drakkhen20]

yes I would agree with blower head, go to the junk yard and find a 98 radiator and fan and youll be fine. also in that year you may still have the intake thats fully plastic and doesnt have the aluminium crossover pipe. you can find these intakes everywhere as well. drain your fluid out, take the hoses off and stick a water hose in top and run it til the water turns clear again, do the same with the radiator and go buy some prestone antifreeze and whatever they call it I think its "wet stuff" or something like that and youll be fine. also if you change your water pump order another for a cobra 4.6, it comes with a housing around the impellars that move the water and promotes less cavitation in your system. another thing, when you buy a thermostat make sure it has a little hole in the plate that opens to let the water through, if it doesnt drill one no bigger than the lead in a pencil. this hole lets your system get the air out and tiny bubbles lingering around. hope this helps.

[V8POWA!]

Like people said, I think our 96's have radiators that are bad.

[Qwik96]

Thanks for the help! I'll definitely be on the lookout for any signs... But if I do the 4.6 PI swap then do I still need to be concerned?

[V8POWA!]

I would still go ahead and do the whole rad swap n everything if it were me. Doing the PI swap will take care of the plastic intake though, so that's good.

[Qwik96]

So new stock radiator or aftermarket & new high flow aftermarket water pump...?

[V8POWA!]

?huh?

I would just get a 98 radiator & fan, and do your PI swap. Doesn't have to be aftermarket.