Topic: 351C mach One questions. Overheating / transmission

[MarksMustang]

I just went through a lot of time and money getting my 69 Mach to run without overheating! I finally up-graded from a 20 inch rad to the 24, and now it will run...a little warm ( 3/4 up the guage ) but it seems OK. Is this normal for a 351C to run with the heat guage needle at 3/4 ?  I also need to know if Fords need the kick down linkage for the C-4 transmission like Dodge auto trannies did. I have had Dodges for the last 10 years, but was finally able to get a 69 Mach that I could afford, so I need to learn Fords all over again! I do not see any kick down linkage from the carb to the transmission on this Mach One, and I know that with Dodge that will burn up the tranny rather quickly. This one seems to be fine now, but I notice the shifting is a bit odd at times. Thanks for any help! Oh, yes...I do know that this 351C is not original to this car, and that they did not come in the Mach One until 1970.....not sure if the C-4 is original or not. emailz7@juno.com

[Topless_Horse]

If it is a C4 there is no harm in not having the kickdown linkage other than not being able to downshift when passing.  Often shifting oddities are caused by a faulty modulator (if I recall, it's located toward the rear of the transmission on the passenger's side) or a faulty vacuum line to the modulator.  If it's more serious, there's an excellent transmission forum here (http://www.network54.com/Forum/260730/) that will undoubtly get you pointed in the right direction.

The termperature gauge in these cars should be considered a general indicator.  As a rule of thumb, if there's no coolant puking out of the radiator it's not overheating.  If you "really want to know" about the temperature get a good quality aftermarket gauge and hook that in to monitor the temperature.

[Jeff73Mach1]

There are two things related to a 351C cooling system that you need to be aware of in order to manage it properly.

1) underneath the thermostat there is a restrictor plate.  If it is not present the thermostat will not function properly.

2) the thermostat for a 351 C is not the same as a 351W.  The use of the wrong one will not seal against the restrictor plate and the car will run hotter.

My 351 ran excessively hot before the right thermostat and after changing to a hot solid lifter cam, closed chamber heads and headers it runs much cooler due to the correct thermostat.

The proper thermostat is . . .
 

http://www.banzairunnerpantera.com/updates_thermostat.htm

[Topless_Horse]

Hey Jeff, that's something I did not know (about the thermostat and restrictor plate).  Thank you for broadening my horizions!

[Joe AZ 2 PA]

I went with a Barry Grant Demon carb on my 289 / C4 and at that time it didn't come with the kickdown linkage. With my type of driving it doesn't make any difference. . . . . 

[4thofdmont]

what is the best way to avoid over heating the transmission? this is the problem of my vehicle. what should i replace in the interior dodge parts?

[Joe AZ 2 PA]

When I changed our 66 4 speed over to a C4 I also needed to change to a two pedal auto. set-up because the "kick down" was a extra arm on the gas pedal that shifted the C4 when it was pushed down far enough to kick in.

I also added a transmission cooler for cooling the C4. This is easy to find and install.

Hope this helps a little bit. . . .