I have a 1997 Ford F-150 truck with 198K miles. It's been a great work truck. Within the past month, it runs hot if I get it over 30mph. I replaced the thermostat, flushed the radiator, and checked the water pump, even had my catalytic converter checked. It will run fine for a day or two, then go back to overheating. I have to drive it for an hour before it will start to overheat. I know it's got lots of miles, but never had major problems with the truck. Any help would be appreciated.

 

could it be a bad fan clutch???????

 

Thanks for the input. Whenever the truck is running hot, and we stop the truck, the fan seems to be working ok. I've heard reports of Ford F-150 having problems with the head gasket. Have you heard anything? I am going to replace the thermostat again, because it's been running hot for a while, maybe messed up the thermostat? Thanks!

 

Hi thegman1000 and welcome to FTE

When it overheats does it boil the coolant out? Or does the temp gauge just peg itself? Or?

 

Hi Racerguy,

When the engine overheats, it pegs out the temp guage, the oil light comes on, and the coolant boils out. When I stop for 10 min or less or slow down to 30mph, then the temp guage goes back down.

 

I should have asked what size engine you have. If it is the 4.2L V6 you might have a head gasket problem. Usually on the 4.6 and 5.4 the head gaskets cause oil leaks but not coolant problems. But anything is possible.
A thermostat is a cheap and easy thing to try though. Make sure you put it in the right direction

 

Yes, I did replace the thermostat, flushed my radiator, killed my cats, replaced the clutch fan and cussed alot, and yes it is a 4.2L, V-6 engine. I am going to replace the water pump and maybe replace the thermostat again (because it's been getting hot for about 15 times since I first replaced it (maybe it's bad again???) Anyway, thanks for the input, I just keep hopeing that it's not a
head gasket, because I'm a contractor, if I don't work, then I don't get paid, and I've missed too much work already.

 

If you scroll further down on the main forum page you will find the 4.2L forum. Take a look around there and see what the guys have to say. I took a quick look and found this thread https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ghlight=gasket
Good luck with it and let us know how it goes

 

My 1999 e 250 had the same symptoms. Replaced everything but the radiator....TWICE!!! So I humored myself and bought a new $300 rad. It cured the problem!!!4.2v6