1st time poster - so be nice!

Year: 2001
Model: F150 Super Crew
Engine: 4.6L
Location: Minneapolis
Temp: 3º - 15ºF

Symptoms:
- engine gauge during idle just barely moves after 15min idle warmup.
- After driving for 30min, temp gauge is at 1/4.
- Mileage per mile is lower than it should be (I think) 11mpg.

I thought it could be the thermostat staying stuck open, just replaced that and was taking a look at things - I have yet to put it through a 30min drive to gauge the temp after highway driving.

My questions are:
1. Does the radiator fan always engage on this year and model?
2. Do these engines typically run about 1/4 on the temp gauge during the winter months?
3. Could it be a fan clutch? A stuck relay? Something else.

You're help is appreciated.
-Nick

 

Update: Problem solved. It was the thermostat.

 

Doesn't it feel great to fix your own truck?

 

Sure does Clong - this website is great!

 

Hi Eff1fifty good going on fixing your truck, one question, after you changed your thermostat did you have trouble getting the air out of the cooling system, mine is acting up too.

 

Jayron - I think I'm not the best to answer that. I know there's a number of video instructions on youtube on how to 'burp' a coolant system, however, my F150, like yours, doesn't have a radiator cap. I would think that running the system with the overflow open and the climate control turned to the high temp while the car warmed up would expel air once the thermostat opened. But I look to our more senior members to answer that.

I have my own troubles now. Either I need to tighten the thermostat housing bolts, or the extra pressure that I've created in the cooling system has shown weaknesses elsewhere. Needless to say...my engine compartment was wet with coolant...back to the drawing board.