Would anyone have any idea why my truck would run 15-20 degrees F warmer after I replaced the radiator?
The original 1 row radiator started leaking so I replaced it with a 2 row from AutoZone. I also replaced the original thermostat & O-Ring with new Motorcraft ones. I removed the drain plug on the driver's side of the block & flushed the system as thoughly as possible with a garden hose. With the old radiator installed, I filled the system with tap water & ran the engine thru a couple of warm up/cool down cycles to further flush the system including the heater core. I also removed the degas bottle & cleaned out all the build up from inside of it. Installed new radiator & filled with Prestone & distilled water. Reinstalled fan shroud,ect.
Went for a drive on the interstate & my scanguage II is indicating 204 degrees F. I've never seen it that high before. It's always stayed around 188. I'm getting 160 out of the heater vents. I've since reinstalled the original thermostat & replaced the original radiator cap, since it pressure tested alittle weak, with one from AutoZone & have seen no difference. I've had the dealership perform a few coolant flushes over the years including during 2 heater core replacements.
My truck is a '98 F150 XLT SuperCab LongBed 4WD 5.4L E4OD A/T A/C 6250 GVWR H/D Electical & Cooling Systems w/ only 70,2xx miles on it. I'm the proud original owner.
Hate to say it,but the term "Autozone" has always worried me in the past.
Autozone is good for Batteries,oil and filters...nothing else.
Cant tell you how many New and reman parts ive had to take back over the years due to poor workmanship.
If I had my guess there are some restricted cooling veins in the radiator..It sounds like you have covered everything else except the Water Pump....Welcome to the forum!
Did you "burp" any air that may be in the system out? Park the truck with front end higher than the back if possible. Remove the radiator cap and run truck up to operating temp with heater on high. When air burps out, coolant level should go down. Refill to correct level and shut truck down. You may have to do this once or twice again.
I do not recommend the 170 stat. Jack the front of the truck up and run it until all the air is out to of the system. Be sure to do this with the heater on high.
I went for a drive on the interstate w/o a thermo installed today thinking that would remove any air still in the system. Put the front end up on ramps when I got back & let it run for awhile. Then, I shut it down for a little while & started it again still on the ramps. The coolant level never changed during all this. I installed the 170 degree thermo,ran it for awhile & headed back out on the interstate. Temp stayed between 175-180 which I feel alot better about than 204 in 50 degree weather.
Why would it matter if the heater was on high or not? Isn't the same amount of coolant always circulating thru the heater core regardless of the setting selected since there isn't a cut-off valve?
During all this I noticed ATF leaking from the lower transmission cooler line connector at the radiator. I disconnected it & was able to tighten the adapter a very small amount. Then reconnected the cooler line & tightened the fitting as much as possible. But it still leaks. Of course it has to be the lower one which is very difficult to get a good look at. Tomorrow I'm planning on pulling the L/F wheel off & maybe even the plastic inner fender splash shield to try to figure out why it's leaking.
You might be able to use plumbers tape on the fitting to stop the ATF leak.
Watch your gas mileage with the 170 stat. The motor was designed for the higher temps and the computer is going to think the motor is cold with the lower stat.
I went for a drive on the interstate w/o a thermo installed today thinking that would remove any air still in the system. Put the front end up on ramps when I got back & let it run for awhile. Then, I shut it down for a little while & started it again still on the ramps. The coolant level never changed during all this. I installed the 170 degree thermo,ran it for awhile & headed back out on the interstate. Temp stayed between 175-180 which I feel alot better about than 204 in 50 degree weather.
Why would it matter if the heater was on high or not? Isn't the same amount of coolant always circulating thru the heater core regardless of the setting selected since there isn't a cut-off valve?
During all this I noticed ATF leaking from the lower transmission cooler line connector at the radiator. I disconnected it & was able to tighten the adapter a very small amount. Then reconnected the cooler line & tightened the fitting as much as possible. But it still leaks. Of course it has to be the lower one which is very difficult to get a good look at. Tomorrow I'm planning on pulling the L/F wheel off & maybe even the plastic inner fender splash shield to try to figure out why it's leaking.
Would anyone have any advise on this new problem?
If you have a leak,and the lines are tightened properly,the radiator is a POS,,,Take it back to autozone,and get another one,or get a refund,and find a quality one elsewhere.I truly suspect it will solve all your problems.Seriously...Ive seen way too much of this from these guys
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Replaced Raditor now Runs Hot
