Well, I put the last 2 thermostats in the right way, meaning the smaller end toward the bottom. HOwever, is there a certain way you have to put them in clockwise? I just dropped them in there

 

Sounds like they are in the right direction. It just seems like your overheating condition is only under load. The only three things I can thing of are radiator plugged, fan clutch failed, or water pump blades damaged or broken. Easiest thing is the radiator and fan clutch. If it is the original water pump, it is pretty easy to replace it with the radiator and fan off.

The only other thing I could think of is a blown head gasket. That could explain the coolant escaping without a visible leak. The combustion gases in the cooling system could also cause an over heat. What did the plugs look like when you changed them? Did you have any of them that looked different that the majority? The heads on these trucks will warp under extreme heat. Maybe it is time for a compression check? Does the truck run fine at idle and through the gears? If it is a head gasket, the heads are going to be warped and need to be machined, or exchanged out for rebuilt or new ones. I would consider a reman. engine, as it may be cheaper in the long run.

Not trying to ruin your night and hoping for an easy fix. I just had to put a new engine in my 2003 Expy and I was not ready for it. It hurt the budget pretty bad. Hope it all works out for you. Let us know what you find out...

 

After I work on it a bit tomorrow, I will get back with you guys and let you know what occurred. Hopefully maybe its just a faulty thermostat or water pump, as those would be easy imo to fix. Even a radiator seems to be fairly easier/cheap than any kinda head problem.

I do appreciate all the tips and help. I used to be a chevy guy but my step dad got me into Fords. This is my major first Ford and got a 95 Stang in the garage as well. So I shall be a part of this forum much more in the future after this. Again, thanks for the help guys, much appreciated.

 

Ditto
and
Ditto

 

Ok, so I took the thermostat out today and ran it. It started to boil the water a bit so I just shut it down and pretty much guessed it wasn't the thermostat. Now, here is an interesting thing I left out. When I did this tune up on the truck, my battery light came on a bit on and off everyone once in awhile. Now its totally gone but, is it possible my belt could be slipping (it is a brand new one) because one of the pulleys or what not, making the water pump not perform as it should? Could this be an issue and if so, what is the best way to check to make sure this is/isn't the issue.

 

And I did have the battery tested as well as the alternator, both were good.

 

You would be able to smell the rubber burning.

 

I went out and started it again and its like every once in a while, I hear a squeeking of some sort. Not often though. Also, my AC pulley isn't spinning what so ever. I turned the AC on and looked at it again and it didn't spin at all. Is this an issue?

 

Sometimes those pulley are turning but it's impossible to tell. I keep a 2 foot 1/4" dowel around so that I can use it to lightly touch a pulley to verify if it is actually spinning or not.

 

Well, I decided to let Ford come pick it up and test it out for $140 to tell me what the problem is. I will find out tomorrow and post here what it was. Thanks again for all the tips and help.

 

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that it ended up being an intake gasket, 1 leaking heater core and the back heater core being clogged. Now, my question is, how hard is it to change the heater cores?

 

The front core is fun not sure about the rear. But I do not belive it is too bad , I've never done a rear one . I have done many front heater cores in Expeys and F series. They are a blast . Got it down to about 4 hours .and a few tricks .

 

Does anyone know of a guide/video on replacing the intake manifold gaskets? I have found videos the water heaters just not the gaskets. Its a 1999 Ford Expedition 4.6 Triton. Thanks in advance.