91 e150 overheating issues
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91 e150 overheating issues
Hey guys,
I just bought a 91 e150 for a song thats been having some overheating issues. I just drove it for the first time and it pretty much overheated right away. I added coolant to the radiator but it just leaked right out someplace. I was in a dark parking lot and couldnt see exactly where the leak is. The van has recently had a pressure test and the tech replaced the water pump bypass hose and thermostat.
Since I added coolant right to the radiator and it leaked out, I'm assuming the radiator is the culprit. From a quick glance I ruled out the lower radiator hose but thats about all I could see. What else should I be looking for? Any help of wisdom is very much appreciated.
I just bought a 91 e150 for a song thats been having some overheating issues. I just drove it for the first time and it pretty much overheated right away. I added coolant to the radiator but it just leaked right out someplace. I was in a dark parking lot and couldnt see exactly where the leak is. The van has recently had a pressure test and the tech replaced the water pump bypass hose and thermostat.
Since I added coolant right to the radiator and it leaked out, I'm assuming the radiator is the culprit. From a quick glance I ruled out the lower radiator hose but thats about all I could see. What else should I be looking for? Any help of wisdom is very much appreciated.
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So I got the van up to opperating temp and heres what I could see:
Coolant dripping slowly from the lower radiator hose. Its not however dripping from the radiator. Its coming from whatever that hose connects to. I think. Water Pump?
There is also steam coming from somewhere in the engine bay. It seems to be further back on the motor, not coming from the front. Thermostat? I'd like to be as informed as I can be before I bring it someplace to get fixed. I need to drive this sucker across the country and need it to be solid. Any help is apprecieated. Thanks!
Coolant dripping slowly from the lower radiator hose. Its not however dripping from the radiator. Its coming from whatever that hose connects to. I think. Water Pump?
There is also steam coming from somewhere in the engine bay. It seems to be further back on the motor, not coming from the front. Thermostat? I'd like to be as informed as I can be before I bring it someplace to get fixed. I need to drive this sucker across the country and need it to be solid. Any help is apprecieated. Thanks!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
If you want bad news here's some.........
Could be a cracked block, a head gasket leaking outward or it could simply be the water pump----have to wonder why you were about to buy it for a song though.
I'd borrow a radiator test kit which allows you to pressurize the entire cooling system without running the engine. Any leaks can be found if they're external by looking for the visible leaking coolant. Since steam can be seen coming from the back of the engine is there a coolant hose running that same direction?
You don't say if you've checked for coolant in the oil pan or oil in the coolant----another tell tale sign the leak could be internal; head gasket etc.
If you can drive this to a local shop maybe they'll diagnose it for you no cost or at least a fair small charge. Until you get an expert's eye on this its tough to offer anything more than "check everything first......"
Hope its not too serious though!
Could be a cracked block, a head gasket leaking outward or it could simply be the water pump----have to wonder why you were about to buy it for a song though.
I'd borrow a radiator test kit which allows you to pressurize the entire cooling system without running the engine. Any leaks can be found if they're external by looking for the visible leaking coolant. Since steam can be seen coming from the back of the engine is there a coolant hose running that same direction?
You don't say if you've checked for coolant in the oil pan or oil in the coolant----another tell tale sign the leak could be internal; head gasket etc.
If you can drive this to a local shop maybe they'll diagnose it for you no cost or at least a fair small charge. Until you get an expert's eye on this its tough to offer anything more than "check everything first......"
Hope its not too serious though!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
I too hope its just the water pump---hate to see an otherwise great deal turn out to be a yard ornament or boat anchor!
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Thanks, the body is extremly clean. I'd like to do a 4wd conversion at some point so i'm hoping the motor is okay. Dont want to buy a motor along with all the other parts needed to convert to 4wd.
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Elder User
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From: infraction
if you know it's over heating then why would you want to get it up to temp? It could likely do harm that can't be easily fixed.
Cold pressure test, dye, and your eyes. If you can't spot the leak(s) then have it towed to a good mechanic.
suspect parts are any of the coolant system, rad, hoses, pump, heater core, etc etc.
Cold pressure test, dye, and your eyes. If you can't spot the leak(s) then have it towed to a good mechanic.
suspect parts are any of the coolant system, rad, hoses, pump, heater core, etc etc.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: NY, NY
Coolant pump leaks are not hard to see - it just leaks underneath the pump / pulley shaft. Since you have coolant drips along the lower radiator hose, I would replace this hose.
Steam behind the engine -- again you should be able to see them -- heater hoses would be suspect.
Steam behind the engine -- again you should be able to see them -- heater hoses would be suspect.
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if you know it's over heating then why would you want to get it up to temp? It could likely do harm that can't be easily fixed.
Cold pressure test, dye, and your eyes. If you can't spot the leak(s) then have it towed to a good mechanic.
suspect parts are any of the coolant system, rad, hoses, pump, heater core, etc etc.
Cold pressure test, dye, and your eyes. If you can't spot the leak(s) then have it towed to a good mechanic.
suspect parts are any of the coolant system, rad, hoses, pump, heater core, etc etc.
Thanks for the help guys!
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