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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Trying to keep cool

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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 02:04 PM
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Trying to keep cool

Hey guys, I have a 1993 Ford F150 XL single cab long box with the 300 six in it. I have already taken my air compressor and blown out my radiator. I have also installed a 180 thermostat. I live on top of a long dirt road and when i am going down the dirt road or just cruising on the black top my temp gauge stays put on the N of word NORMAL on the gauge. But whenever I am coming up the dirt road or climbing any hills, i can watch the temp gauge creep up, I have never had it over heat but it does get quite high on some of the hotter days. What else can i do to help the ol' girl run at a steady cool temperature?
 
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 05:03 PM
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Check to see if it's a 1 row Radiator (It'll be about 1" thick, from front to back)...

If so, upgrade to a Cooling Package Radiator....It's about 3'' thick, from front to rear (I did this and LOVE it)..

Otherwise, check your Fan Clutch....It could be dirty...(The front has a Thermostatic Coil that as it heats up, it engages the Fan....Cools down, it disengages the Fan...


A new one is about $55....
 
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 05:07 PM
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How much would a "cooling package radiator" cost me?
 
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 05:15 PM
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Originally Posted by fordsuperduty250
How much would a "cooling package radiator" cost me?
I paid $145 for mine from Car-Quest...

Pay attention to your Fan Shroud...If it's a Dealer Hang-On Air Conditioner, it'll have a VERY slim shroud...

Factory A/C....It'll be about 2" more in thickness...

And the only issue there, is the fan *Might* be "Inside" the Shroud...Like mine is....
 
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 06:50 PM
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The factory temperature "gauge" as well as the oil pressure "gauge" is well known to give off false readings. Verify the coolant temperature with an aftermarket meter, thermometer, or heat gun before going too crazy with parts only to find out the problem is not really a problem at all other than a whacky factory gauge/sender.
 
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Old Aug 8, 2012 | 09:01 PM
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And they will work even worse as they get older...
 
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