liiiiiiiight buuuuulb!

That makes sense; without a wind tunnel we'll never really know what's really going on. I never really looked at a big bumper front end very closely so I shouldn't be talking haha. So I hope I'm wrong, because taking the lights out would be an easy fix!

I just don't get why they would put a lot of the holes right where the front plate goes

 

Did u notice any positive results, or difference after the mounting the deflector?

 

The lights are out. They were mounted to the plastic ducts which are now back in place. Almost everything under the hood is new and stock. I agree that they were put there for a reason. I bet quite a bit of air flows through there and into the lower radiator. Temps for the old 200 were 200* @ 65mph with a 175* thermostat. Outside temp in the 90s. Current temps with the 250 have been better but I can already tell they will go up when the weather turns hot. Running 190* at 75mph with 175* thermostat and outside temp in thel ow 80s.

 

Are you using the same temp gauge? Could be a gauge problem.

I would get one of those optic temperature gauges. The kind you hold in your hand and point at things to see the temp. I think Harbor Freight sells them.

 

yes...I can drive 55 miles to Summit and the e-fan doesn't come on until I pull into the parking lot. the fan is set to come on low at 93 degrees w/186 T-stat...80-85 MPH...

 

Same guage, probably 10 years old. Would love one of those guages but I think mine is on the low side. I dont need to find out its running hotter than I thought!

 

I still would speculate your gauge "may" be wrong and I would confirm the real temp with the tool I suggested. Unless you are boiling over....you really don't have an overheating problem.

 

Very true, look at a 90's F series (before the body change). The HD trucks with diesels and even 460's have the holes in the bumpers where the F150's do not.

Not sure I would trust a new harbor freight laser temp gauge over an old suspect mechanical gauge. Seems one they would sell would be good for getting an idea of where it is but I would question the accuracy.

 

Don't forget AC also produces heat.. What is the coolant mix ratio?.. Too much flex in fan maybe?

 

Unless it was an Eddie Bauer Edition...

 

I don't think that the temps u are running are overheating. Remember, when u increase speed u generate more heat. In 90+ temps w/ my ac running at highway "70" speed w/ 180 stat, I run 200-210 all day long w/o concern. My fan is set to come on at 195. I feel confident my Autometer gauges are giving me accurate readings. My overflow tank never spews antifreeze. It has been on several road trips - no problem.

 

I don't think that the temps u are running are overheating. Remember, when u increase speed u generate more heat. In 90+ temps w/ my ac running at highway "70" speed w/ 180 stat, I run 200-210 all day long w/o concern. My fan is set to come on at 195. I feel confident my Autometer gauges are giving me accurate readings. My overflow tank never spews antifreeze. It has been on several road trips - no problem.
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I agree they seem normal

 

If you are not using one now, you might try a wetting agent. I replaced my coolant and added a product called Hyper-Lube and my '74 runs 15 degrees cooler under all the same conditions.

 

I used water wetter last year, but it only affected idle temp which was not the area I needed help with. Its my opinion that there should be no issues when everything is correct. My car is stock (with the exception of my missing top) and should perform as it did when new. I will track this gremlin down if this isnt it.

 

didn't you say this is a different engine w/same problem?