FiTech Heat!!!

[MultiBeast]

Summer is upon us!
So I’ve heard that efi will make these older motors run hotter, but how hot?!?
I’m running a brand new aluminum 3 core from toms, new water pump, new thermostat, new everything. Idling in traffic pray a drive thru for 3-5 mins will bring the temp up to the 215-225 range. Then once I’m moving again it quickly drops back down to the average 180-190 range.
I’m running the stock fan for my 302, wondering if I should put an electric fan on it...
What’s the norm here? What temps are you fitech/sniper guys getting to? Using electric fans?
Also, I’m in Raleigh so the humidity is real..

 

[MultiBeast]

I also have already swapped the junk fitech temp sensor for the acdelco part!

 

[Justafordguy]

An electric fan is not the answer. The HD 7 blade factory fan pulls way more air than an electric. Do you have a good fitting shroud? The factory shroud can be modified to work very well with the factory 7 blade fan.

 

[DirtDonk]

I've never heard that EFI makes an engine run hotter?
If it's not tuned right, sure. If it's running like crap, sure. But if it's all running as expected I don't see how it can make it hot all by itself, other than if the engine is making noticeably more power with the EFI.

What is your timing set at? How does it run overall?

Even though an electric fan is not usually the answer for a Bronco that's overheating most of the time, if it's an air flow issue at slow speeds it certainly can help.
The problem is room in front of the core support with the hood latch in the way. Usually pretty small fans fit that space.
But if you have the heating issue only at idle and at very slow speeds, it might help.
Of course, it won't help things much if it then blocks air flow at higher speeds! Sometimes you just can't win!

But check those other things first. Timing too retarded OR advanced can sometimes cause this. A failing water pump (but yours is new?) can do it. A clogged radiator (but again, yours is new and probably high capacity). And the EFI if it's running way to lean or way too rich, might be exaggerating the problem.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[bigmuddy]

Im with Donk, how the hell would it make it run hotter? The ECM controls the fuel and the timing at least on the factory ford stuff, which in my mind would make it runner and cooler??

 

[MonsterBIlly]

Paul is very correct.
You may want to check something else.

If you have an automatic trans, with factory 3.50 gears and bigger tires, the added heat from the trans vould be contributing to the higher coolant temps. Could this be a factor? Maybe a trans cooler may help.

If you have a standard, igbore this jiberish

 

[bladesnbroncos]

I would second checking the shroud and making sure it is on correctly. I have an 85 mustang that I switched the mechanical fan for an electric fan. It would overheat when sitting just like your bronco, I took some foam and sealed around the edges of the shroud and the problem went away.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Post a picture of the engine bay. Mostly interested in the front of the engine (fan, shroud, etc.)

I am willing to bet the issue has something to do with all the other parts that were changed and not the EFI. Something as simple as putting the fan on backwards or no shroud.

 

[MultiBeast]

Hey guys, maybe it is the shroud. It’s a stock shroud that had an incident. Years ago, I swapped from a 3core to 4core then went on a trail ride at uwharrie. I bumped up to a small rock ledge and tried to gas it up and over. I’m assuming the engine torqued to the side (before rebuild and new mounts) and the fan ate through the passenger side of the shroud, which bent the blades, which cut into that new 4thcore! Anywho, I’m back to a new Aluminium 3core, but still running that old shroud with about 5” missing from passenger side. Guess I’ll be ordering a new shroud this weekend!

 

[DirtDonk]

A shroud is very important. However, I've not found that the difference between a good shroud and a bad shroud is enough, on it's own, to make a big difference in an engine that's just running hot-ish overall.
It can't hurt however, so I won't talk you out of getting a new one. Just that it's not the be-all and end-all of solutions for running hot.

However, if your engine is simply on the line with a tiny issue, the loss of shroud efficiency might have caused the temps to rise slightly. If everything was perfect, not so much. But if a few things are borderline, it might have been enough to push the temps over the edge.

Guess we'll find out soon!%)

Paul

 

[OsideDave]

With the FiTech you need to run a hotter thermostat (I believe 190F vs used to run a 170) so I've noticed on the trail that things get hot quicker as the temp is already closer to the uncomfortable zone. I would say getting some airflow via running the engine higher rpm with trans in neutral has cooled it back down. Plus I have a mid sized electric fan in front of the radiator to assist the mechanical fan and I leave it on during stops

I am thinking to install a phenolic 1/2" spacer under the FiTech as its getting a lot of heat soak. Any thoughts on this ?

 

[Yeller]

timing is a HUGE factor too. Not telling you what to do, too many variables not discussed, research vacuum advance. initial timing being off will cause this exact issue.

 

[bigmuddy]

SO I guess the question is how hot does it get? Do you have a good temp gauge installed?

Yes the EFI stuff likes a higher temp 190 thermostat, but ultimately isn't an issue running up to 210-215 IMO

 

[KyleQ]

Another thought is what AF ratio are you using for idle conditions? If it is lean and mean you could fatten it up a bit to cool the engine down.

 

[blubuckaroo]

I am thinking to install a phenolic 1/2" spacer under the FiTech as its getting a lot of heat soak. Any thoughts on this ?

Heat soak isn't an issue with fuel injection. That's a carb thing because of the fuel boiling out of the float bowl.

 

[Jfryjfry]

What is the ACDelco part number and/or application for the better water temp sensor??

 

[DirtDonk]

I am thinking to install a phenolic 1/2" spacer under the FiTech as its getting a lot of heat soak. Any thoughts on this ?

Heat soak isn't an issue with fuel injection. That's a carb thing because of the fuel boiling out of the float bowl.

blue is correct, but I have a different take on it with regard to the units in question from FiTech, Holley, MSD and anyone else using the same design with all the sensors and the actual ECU built right into the throttle body.
If nothing else, some minimal heat isolation may actually be a good thing for the computer.

The flow of air and the atomizing fuel are actually very effective coolants, but I would think isolating the throttle body at least a little bit from the intake would be a good thing.
If not a full spacer (space under the hood is a consideration always), then at least one of those thick insulator/gasket thingies would work.

As blu said, there is no longer an issue with heat effecting the fuel or it's delivery. But shielding the electronics can't hurt.

Paul

 

[blubuckaroo]

blue is correct, but I have a different take on it with regard to the units in question from FiTech, Holley, MSD and anyone else using the same design with all the sensors and the actual ECU built right into the throttle body.
If nothing else, some minimal heat isolation may actually be a good thing for the computer.

The flow of air and the atomizing fuel are actually very effective coolants, but I would think isolating the throttle body at least a little bit from the intake would be a good thing.
If not a full spacer (space under the hood is a consideration always), then at least one of those thick insulator/gasket thingies would work.

As blu said, there is no longer an issue with heat effecting the fuel or it's delivery. But shielding the electronics can't hurt.

Paul

One of the biggest reasons I even considered one of the new throttle body injection units was to eliminate heat soak problems.
As far as I've seen I'll be better staying with a carb until this stuff gets fixed.

 

[Smedley]

Go here https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=fitech efi users&epa=SEARCH_BOX

There is a guy on this site, Austin, that has started his own forum and shares all kinds of info. Forum - https://fitechefituning.com/

On the FB page they have all the info on parts numbers to replace the FiTech stuff.

Will

 

[Smedley]

FiTechefituning.com

These are replacement parts for the Throttle Body line of products from Fitech. I have also included a list of accessories that I use on my own installs. I know they work!!!! Links have been provided to make the process easier for you. Your support is greatly appreciated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks!!!!
Replacement Parts
Coolant Temp Sensor
AC Delco 213-928
Recommended replacement for supplied sensor. https://amzn.to/2IEZ7L8
O2 Sensor
Bosch 17014
Direct replacement for the supplied sensor. https://amzn.to/2XrXHYF
Fuel Pressure Regulator
Bosch 3 bar 0280160557
43psi regulator for the Go Street and Mean Street units. https://amzn.to/2GmeKo9
Bosch 4 bar 0280160575
58psi regulator for all units except Go Street and Mean Street. https://amzn.to/2VVb5Ec
FPR Delete Plug
Regulator delete plug for external regulators. This will allow you capability of looping the fuel
system through the unit. https://amzn.to/2IGwNYZ
MAP Sensor
Not serviceable. Part of the ECU on the throttle body units.
Injector
Fitech only $35 each
IAC Motor
AC Delco 19333273
Recommended replacement for supplies motor. https://amzn.to/2IvzBJ0
TPS
AC Delco 213895
Recommended replacement for supplied sensor. This one has the angled plug like original.
https://amzn.to/2Gvq2rh

Accessories
Throttle Bushing
When attaching throttle, I recommend you use the large hole on the Fitech linkage. I advise you use a solid metal bushing as the rubber and plastic ones flex with the heavy return spring. Everybodies throttle rod or cable will be different, but here is an example. https://amzn.to/2VYzclH

Throttle Bracket
Bracket that I use. Not name brand, but just as good. https://amzn.to/2Vczecr
TV Cable
Cable that I use on 700r4 applications. This cable has a stop nut
adjustment. Set it and forget it. Factory automatic adjustment cable can slip,
causing misadjustment. https://amzn.to/2XqSnF6
700r4 Linkage Correction
Correction bracket for 700r4 TV cable attachment. https://amzn.to/2Xpkep1
Fuel Pump
Walbro 255lph In-tank pump
Good to 600 up. https://amzn.to/2XqqXiw
Aeromotive 340lph In-tank pump
The pump that I use. https://amzn.to/2XmdF6s
Aeromotive 340lph In-tank pump module
For retrofitting factory fuel tanks. https://amzn.to/2Dr89Z0
Fuel Pressure Gauge
Fitech manual gauge. https://amzn.to/2DkAgsE
SpeedHut electronic gauges. Check them out. All gauges can be customized for you.
http://www.Speedhut.com
Fuel Fittings & Hose
Earl's 350606 Pro-Lite 350 Nylon -6AN Hose - 6 Feet
My favorite braided fuel hose. https://amzn.to/2DoW1aR
Earl's AT165006ERL 3/8 tubing to -6AN adapter
https://amzn.to/2Xu8nWz
Earl's AT165056ERL 5/16 tubing to -6AN adapter
https://amzn.to/2Gw8jQH
Earl's AT809106ERL -6AN 90 degree fitting
https://amzn.to/2Irxs0Y
Electric Fan Relay
40amp relay, with pigtail, for wiring electric fan. https://amzn.to/2DnxWB0
Small Cap HEI
The distributor I use for timing control on BBC and SBC. https://amzn.to/2Dl2y6w
Module Delete Harness 8861
Harness to convert distributor to timing control. https://amzn.to/2KPwiyA
HEI Lockout 88363
Mechanical advance lockout for traditional HEI distributors. https://amzn.to/2Xq3Pkc
Vacuum Advance Lockout 88364
Vacuum Advance Lockout for traditional HEI distributors. https://amzn.to/2DnpSAx
Ignition Box
6A Box
I use this box on all my builds. It lacks rev limiter, but the Fitech covers that.
https://amzn.to/2VVX4Gj
Coils
Blaster
The coil I use for high performance builds. https://amzn.to/2XqtV6C
Street Fire
The coil I use for street builds. My daily driver runs this coil. https://amzn.to/2DmGWGT
Plug Wires
MSD 8.5 Super Conductors
I use these for performance builds. They are universal and require custom install.
https://amzn.to/2DlCzfa
Street Fire 8mm wires
Also universal. I use these on street builds. My daily driver runs these. https://amzn.to/2KQE0IJ