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Nov 21, 2011 | 05:56 AM

midsouth

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Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 156

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From: Whispering Pines, NC

Running Hot

On my 83 f150 5.8L 4X4, I've replaced the temperature sensor, sender, thermostat. The radiator seems to be fine (top and bottom hoses are both hot which shows the water is flowing and the water pump is working). The gauge is still showing that the truck is running slightly below high. What else can I check?

Nov 21, 2011 | 08:12 AM

ozark1

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 773

Likes: 10

Do a search for my name..and Gary Lewis. This topic was discussed 2-3 months ago. In my case. I had 2 bad senders..both new..out of the box. A Ford sender got the right readings..My truck was like yours..I finally had enough..New 190 Thermostat..3 row radiator and a new clutch fan..Problem solved..There old radiators may look good..But many are partially blocked..Oreilly has a good 3 row for under $200..Gary will probably jump in too..

Nov 21, 2011 | 10:54 AM

ctubutis

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Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 22,415

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From: Denver Metro Area, CO

If the radiator is doing its job, the lower hose won't be nearly as warm as the top one.

Nov 21, 2011 | 11:22 AM

Archion

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 3,827

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From: Martinsburg, WV

Fan shroud, fan and fan clutch(if equipped) in good order, not a flex fan? Some info on this might help.

Nov 21, 2011 | 11:43 AM

Franklin2

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Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 56,971

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From: Virginia

Why do you think it's overheating? Usually there are other signs. Don't waste a lot of money relying on the factory gauge to give you accurate readings. What is "normal"?

Nov 21, 2011 | 12:13 PM

81-F-150-Explorer

Post Fiend

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 8,786

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From: Northern California

If it's a factory flex fan, it should be, "OK" to do it's job, if in good working condition, but a fan clutch upgrade is well worth it in my opinion.

Nov 21, 2011 | 07:32 PM

Sw1tchfoot

Posting Guru

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 1,199

Likes: 1

From: Missouri

I replaced my thermostat twice, replaced the temp gauge sensor twice, and eventually shelled out about $60 total for a fan clutch. Nothing worked.

Want to know how I fixed the problem? I didn't, I just bought a cheap mechanical temp gauge from Autozone and found out that it isn't even running hot.