Interesting thing happned while crossing the Arizona high dessert. Now mind you this '97 P/S only had 79K on it when I bought it (83K Now) & it is completly stock. It had never been used to tow anything, I know this because it did not ever have any tow accessories on it, not even a ball on the bumper. 10 year corporate lease.

OK, now with the story, started towing my 21 ft 5th wheel in Sacramento, across Nevada, Utah, into Durango Colorado, dropped down into New Mex and into Arizona.

The truck has run like a charm, pulls the 5th wheel like it wasn't even there.

I'm in the high dessert at approx. 7-8000 ft. the temp is high 80's. I had just stopped for fuel and, as I always do, I did a walk around to see if I had any leaks, low tires etc.

I am now cruising at 65MPH in cruise control and life is good. 47 miles down the road I notice that the "Hot Engine" light is on and the temp. guage is layin on the "H". I pull to the edge if the roadway with the rattle snakes & lizards and stop. I let it idle for a few seconds and turn it off.

Once outside I obs coolant runing out from below the passenger battery area. I let it cool and eventually get the cap off of the coolant tank without going to the burn ward.

After a cooling period I refill the rediator with warm water from the trailer. It takes about 6 Qts.

Temp guage is way to the left and the "Hot Engine" light is off. I can't find any leaks so I hit the road once again keeping a close eye on the guage. After approx. 50-60 miles I stop and recheck everything. Still no sign of a leak but the coolant tank is low by about a Qt. I figured that this was due to air purge in the system

I refilled the tank and continued for an additional 125 miles at 65MPH and stopped for the night. Checked under the vehicle....No leaks. Checked coolant tank....Full, Temp never got past "N".

Cause?????????
I don't know unless the thermostat slammed shut and re-opened. Anyone out there with any ideas?? I would appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Roger

 

The thermostat sticking shut would explain it.....though it is surprising that it reopened. They generally stay failed once they fail.

 

Maybe the fan clutch was not engaged and it boiled over....I hope not. But check all your fluids, if it did get that hot you may warp a head and have water in the oil etc. That's all worst case though. And I doubt you would have driven that far and not seen a reoccuring issue. Probably just a stat. I would address everything coolant at this point though.

 

Sounds like a fluke. Possibly thermo as you stated. I do know the desert is brutal. Glad you had stuff to fix it. Keep a close eye and check for play in water pump leaks everywhere etc.

BTW welcome and keep us posted

 

I agree. double check the fan clutch.

Also is this a double thread?????

 

Thanks for the replys. Yes...it is a double thread. Just as I attempted to send the first one the internet at the camp ground went down and I didn't think that it went through, plus I waited and never saw it posted. That's why. my bad.
Roger

 

It is always good to do your drivin in the night time out here in AZ and NM. It has been a scorcher out here.

 

Not anymore All replies are now in this thread.

 

I found it. Went out this AM, raised the hood and obs the coolant tank to be empty. Hmmm, not good. Will eyes closed I pulled the dip stick and oil level is normal.

Hmmmm, truck is sitting on crushed lava rock so it does not show moisture. Crawl under the truck and obs a slow drip coming off the frame rail beneath the coolant tank area. Drip about ever 5 seconds.

Back on top I start moving hoses around and VIOLA, I create a mini squirt fron a heater hose. This is the pre-assembled heater hose with a "Y" connection. The long hose that runs to the bottom of the radiator has been rubbing on the frame for 83K.

Found a auto parts store, obtained a 1/2" hose barb and two hose clamps and made the repair, added a gallon of anti-freeze and I'm back on the road.

Thanks again for all of the input and I will try never, never to double thread again.

Roger

 

You da man cookie. I know how it is having to rely on a campground service They are not all up to speed. Thanx cookie.

 

Congrats on the easy fix. You may want to drive awhile and recheck coolant. it can be decieving and need filling again.
I agree I was in AZ 2 weeks ago and 122 at 5pm in the shade is hot I don't care who you are.

 

Oh great...then what am I going to do with my time

I'm glad you found a simple fix.

 

we are all great friends here. don't worry we all do it from time to time.