Over heated Ford (Mercury) Engine on my F8

[Jim Price]

My helpers took the F8 out for a spin that other day (it was 100 F (37.8 C)out) and stopped to talk to a neighbor down the street while leaving the motor idling. By the time they arrived back to the house the temp guage was pegged and the radiator overflow pipes were draining anti-freeze fluid. Obviously the engine had overheated. It's a '46 Mercury.

I know that Fords/Mercurys have a problem with this but wonder if the problem lies with the thermostats. (I have new water pumps so this shouldn't be the problem.) Or, with the four-bladed fan blade. I've been advised not to run the engine without the thermostats or restrictors so wonder which would be better, 160 F or 180 F one.

Any thoughts, advice, etc. will be appreciated!

Regards,
Jim