Getting Hot
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Getting Hot
I have a 1993 ford f150 with the 4.9 straight six. Earlier in the summer I put a 180 thermostat in it because it was running hot sometimes. This seemed to do the truck. Now when driving the truck will run at the N of the normal on the gauge, but when left sitting and idling, the gauge starts to creep up. What could I do to fix this?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Ditto. Sounds like a few possible things. Either radiator is plugged, missing your fan shroud?
Pull radiator and have shop test it. They can tell you the condition and if plugged they might be able to flush it. If not, just replace.
Pull radiator and have shop test it. They can tell you the condition and if plugged they might be able to flush it. If not, just replace.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Radiator | AutoZone.com
$120~
As long as most of the shroud is there, it likely is better then none. Does the truck ever overheat if it idles too much? Or just get warmer then normal?
You could pull the radiator, drain it and then flush it backwards(water in the bottom and let it run out the top) and see how much crud comes out. Likely the bottom gets full of sediment and plugs up the core. Might be too solid to flush out with hose? Might help some?
While it's apart, might want to back flush your heater core. Same issues there.
$120~
As long as most of the shroud is there, it likely is better then none. Does the truck ever overheat if it idles too much? Or just get warmer then normal?
You could pull the radiator, drain it and then flush it backwards(water in the bottom and let it run out the top) and see how much crud comes out. Likely the bottom gets full of sediment and plugs up the core. Might be too solid to flush out with hose? Might help some?
While it's apart, might want to back flush your heater core. Same issues there.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
Is the fan clutch in good shape? The fact that it runs cool while driving but heats up while standing still tells me that you may not be pulling enough air through the radiator. I have read that the fan moves about the same amount of air as if you were driving about 30-35mph. Check the clutch and the belt and tensioner to be sute you are moving enough air sitting still. Good luck.
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Ya, could be clutch. Once warm, it still should have drag when you try to spin the fan. If it just freewheels like nothing then might be clutch.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ken86F350
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
May 19, 2006 06:57 PM