the temp will climb real high for a day or two before going back to normal, mine did the same thing. as long as it drops down before it hits the h it'll be fine.

 

I'm sorry, but I disagree. There is no reason for the temp to go up and then come back down.

 

I'm just saying that's what happened in my case, I was told that when the system gets drained/messed with, the thermostat will on some occasions stick for a day or two until all the air works its way out and the fluid levels return to normal. so after driving for a day, I poured more into the radiator, and it stopped going close to the h before dropping back down. just my experience, it works fine now.

 

If you didn't get the air out at first and, over a day or two, filled the system as it worked out it could do that. Instead, I run the engine with the radiator cap off and fill the system as it needs it, watching to make sure the thermostat opens - which can usually be seen by a rapid increase in flow.

But, if the thermostat sticks then I'd be changing it out quickly with the fear of it doing so again. In fact, mine is sticking open as the temp is way low, so it will get changed out immediately as too cold doesn't allow the engine to warm properly.

 

I agree, a sticking thermostat isn't very good. if I hadn't replaced it when I drained the system for a intake manifold gasket replacement I'd be changing it out too, but when I called to tell my parts guy it was faulty, that's when he told me about the air/sometimes sticking when not full.

I would say you do want your truck warming up good given the weather y'all got and still to come. coming from upstate ny in the snow belt, I love it here in va. we got rain from that storm, but not cold enough to even freeze.

 

Well, this truck isn't going anywhere for quite a while. It's peg-legged and the throttle is very sensitive, so it would be awful in this 16" of snow. Plus, we have 2 AWD vehicles in the garage, and 1 of those has pretty awesome electronics that lets it get through more than would normally be possible. However, it still doesn't go where my father's '81 F150 4x4 will go - which explains why I want that one, some day.

Understand the move from NY to VA - though that may not be far enough south. Our kids live in Arlington, and we used to live in Philly, so understand too well how poor the weather can be there. At least here the day after a record storm, meaning today, the sky has no clouds - although the temp is close to zero. Another reason the truck is staying in as the weatherstripping is gone and the draft would be COLD.

 

thanks for the input guys.. gonna check fluid levels tonight, it was hot last night and i was cold by the time i was done heater core.. will let you know.

 

problem solved!! needed to "burp" the radiator, get that air out and add some more antifreeze. ran it for over 15 mins tonight with top off and after thermostat opened, i topped it off. and the cab was so hot from the nice new heat i had to cut it back. thanks again you guys for all the help..

 

Gonna burp mine tomorrow,
with anti freeze