Ford 302 rapid temperature rise at idle

[UKjohnnycobra]

Thanks for the inputs, guys.

FWB: I dont have a shroud. I'll post some pics later so you can see. Because its a fairly uncommon car, if a shroud is needed I'll have to make one. The shroud would force air entering the nose through the rad, so its like a cone that fits in front of the radiator, right?
Elmariachi: I have an IR thermometer. Ill check the delta between the top hose and bottom. If I remember, when I looked at this before, it was about a 20F difference (seems low to you?) but I'll confirm.
Marco: thats exactly what I see! let me know how it goes (also, my guages are all in deg C but i convert them for the discussion)
Oldog: i dont think its the gauge because it runs at the right temp when the car is driving. Also it should read higher than the stat, no? Once the stat is open by definition the temperature is 160F or greater.

[jhv48]

No, the shroud fits over the back of the radiator and, in conjunction with one or two PULLER fans, sucks air past the radiator and into the engine compartment.

It sounds like you have two pusher fans mounted in front of the radiator. If so, they are much less efficient than two puller fans installed behind the radiator along with a shroud.

Could very well solve your problem.

[elmariachi]

Originally Posted by UKjohnnycobra

Elmariachi: I have an IR thermometer. Ill check the delta between the top hose and bottom. If I remember, when I looked at this before, it was about a 20F difference (seems low to you?) but I'll confirm.Oldog: i dont think its the gauge because it runs at the right temp when the car is driving. Also it should read higher than the stat, no? Once the stat is open by definition the temperature is 160F or greater.

On my big block car I have a 180*F t-stat and the temps are 190*F on the top hose and 145*F coming out the bottom. This after installing the infamous $50 Taurus shrouded cooling fan, which moves 3000 cfm on low speed and something north of 4k on high.

Fan discussion here: Taurus Cooling Fan Install

Use the temp gun on your manifold or wherever your gauge sender is mounted and that will give you a good idea of your dash gauge accuracy.