Over heating problem
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Joined: Jun 2011
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Over heating problem
I have a 1981 F250 2wd 351modified that wants to over heat on me but only on days over 90deg and only if i use the A/C and drive for more then 15-20min in city traffic.
I've replaced the t-stat and water pump and have no apparent leaks in the system. The heater core is bypassed and the coolant is in good shape. the fan clutch was removed and a solid block put in its place so fan spins full speed all the time.
It doesn't blow the cap but when I stop for a few minutes then get back in my temp gauge is maxxed out and as I start driving it comes down to about 3/4.
Anybody got any thoughts?
I've replaced the t-stat and water pump and have no apparent leaks in the system. The heater core is bypassed and the coolant is in good shape. the fan clutch was removed and a solid block put in its place so fan spins full speed all the time.
It doesn't blow the cap but when I stop for a few minutes then get back in my temp gauge is maxxed out and as I start driving it comes down to about 3/4.
Anybody got any thoughts?
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 666
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As billt28 is alluding to, don't trust the factory gauge to tell you that it is overheating.
Do you have a fan shroud on the radiator? Lack of a shroud can cause this problem.
It could also be that your radiator is plugged up so flow is restricted.
Do you have a fan shroud on the radiator? Lack of a shroud can cause this problem.
It could also be that your radiator is plugged up so flow is restricted.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,441
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From: Muskegon, MI (home)
Good point billt28, the factory guages aren't necessarily the most accurate. I would install a mechanical temperature guage to see the actual operating temp. What degree t-stat did you go with?
John
John
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Wow you guys rock I appreciate the quick replies
My mix is at least 50/50 I have done a drain and fill not a real complete flush
I am refering to the stock gauge
and yes it does have the shroud on it
and the t-stat is a 165 I live in AZ
My mix is at least 50/50 I have done a drain and fill not a real complete flush
I am refering to the stock gauge
and yes it does have the shroud on it
and the t-stat is a 165 I live in AZ
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,441
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From: Muskegon, MI (home)
Sure thing bud! You may want to pick up an antifreeze/ coolant tester, check and see what your boiling point is. It is possible the ratio is off and that can cause running hot/overheating issues. The fan you are running, is it a fixed blade or a flex type? The fixed type is what you want for maximum pull through the radiator. I would definately concider hooking up a mechanical temp guage, this way you will know your actual coolant temp. I know what you mean about trying to keep it cool in traffic on a hot day. I have a helluva time trying to keep the 460 in my 79 Bronco cool (I am running mech. temp and oil pres. guages) on hot days. When I'm in traffic I try to keep some distance from the vehicle in front of me, this way I still get some air flow through the radiator. It's not uncommon for the truck to hit 210 degrees sitting in traffic, it cools right down once I get moving again.
John
John
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Vine Grove KY
Take your radiator to a radiator shop and have it cleaned. Many times when vehicles sit for a little while alot of the sediment in the system accumulates in the bottom of the radiator and plugs it up. Has the truck ever sat without being started for awhile? If so, make sure that radiator is freed up.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2009
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First try burping the radiator (if you haven't already) and if that doesn't work...
The stock radiators are garbage. I would get a QUALITY after market one and toss it in. With a 3 core I sit at 190-195 no matter what. Even in jersey turnpike traffic, even with all the other horse ***** problems my truck has.
Its also not really a good idea to have the fan running all the time. Waste of power especially at highway speeds. Also I wonder why you are running a 165 tstat if its not supped up. A 195 should be easily fine with a new radiator, 165 is not the optimal running temp.
Oh and as was stated never trust the stock gauge.
Cheers!
Dimitri
The stock radiators are garbage. I would get a QUALITY after market one and toss it in. With a 3 core I sit at 190-195 no matter what. Even in jersey turnpike traffic, even with all the other horse ***** problems my truck has.
Its also not really a good idea to have the fan running all the time. Waste of power especially at highway speeds. Also I wonder why you are running a 165 tstat if its not supped up. A 195 should be easily fine with a new radiator, 165 is not the optimal running temp.
Oh and as was stated never trust the stock gauge.
Cheers!
Dimitri
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 282
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From: Texas
You need to put a 190* or atleast 180* thermostat in. 165* is too low of a temp for a street driven engine. Normal operating temperature should be between 180-215*.
Make sure the lower radiator hose has a spring in it, and is not collapsing under accelleration.
Put a mechanical gauge in so you can keep tabs on the temperature accurately.
Make sure the lower radiator hose has a spring in it, and is not collapsing under accelleration.
Put a mechanical gauge in so you can keep tabs on the temperature accurately.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
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From: Northeast, OK
I recently asked a question about having a radiator cleaned and several suggested I can get a new one for what I'd spend cleaning one. A check w/O'Reilly's shows a 3-row for $115.
RAY1986F150 - Do you know of a radiator shop 'round here that you'd recommend? I'm still cogitating new vs used.
RAY1986F150 - Do you know of a radiator shop 'round here that you'd recommend? I'm still cogitating new vs used.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 6
From: Vine Grove KY
I recently asked a question about having a radiator cleaned and several suggested I can get a new one for what I'd spend cleaning one. A check w/O'Reilly's shows a 3-row for $115.
RAY1986F150 - Do you know of a radiator shop 'round here that you'd recommend? I'm still cogitating new vs used.
RAY1986F150 - Do you know of a radiator shop 'round here that you'd recommend? I'm still cogitating new vs used.
