4.9 runs hot...
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
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From: Northeast, OK
Amen! I overheated one engine and had to rebuild it due to a bad factory gauge. And I troubleshot another truck due to the factory gauge saying it was hot, only to find there was no problem. So now I run aftermarket gauges and tuned up factory gauges.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 65
Yeah, what the other guys said...The factory gauges are notoriously screwball.
First step is to get a point and shoot infrared thermometer and take temp readings at the thermostat housing. 190f to 200f is about normal.
First step is to get a point and shoot infrared thermometer and take temp readings at the thermostat housing. 190f to 200f is about normal.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I thought the gauge may not be that accurate. The gauge needle stays in the middle 99% of the time (city driving/short trips), tachs up on long drives or at idle. So, I'm guessing it prob. is getting hot. I sprayed down the radiator and cleared out some leaves and stuff. It now runs a bit cooler on the highway, but still heats up at idle. It does seem to still have the factory water pump, so I'm looking to replace that and the thermostat. Also, the lower radiator hose had a small tear in it (replaced it).
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2013
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If the radiator cap isn't holding a good pressure it will overheat. It's an easy and cheap replacement.
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Cargo Master
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From: Washington
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Kalispell, MT
Since you swapped the lower hose, i'm assuming you reserviced the engine with a fresh coolant mix after flushing it? That'd definitely help to flush it out. Also, check the coolant concentration content thats in the jacket...it can run warm if its too thick of a ratio. Not to insult anyone's intelligence here, just be sure to have the stat facing the correct direction when you replace it. I have been meticulous about working on all my vehicles for years after working on aircraft for so long...its easy to get overconfident and miss the simple stuff. Ask me how i know lol. Is the fan shroud still intact? If its not, or by chance you're not running one, installing a newer will also help out significantly.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2014
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Since you swapped the lower hose, i'm assuming you reserviced the engine with a fresh coolant mix after flushing it? That'd definitely help to flush it out. Also, check the coolant concentration content thats in the jacket...it can run warm if its too thick of a ratio. Not to insult anyone's intelligence here, just be sure to have the stat facing the correct direction when you replace it. I have been meticulous about working on all my vehicles for years after working on aircraft for so long...its easy to get overconfident and miss the simple stuff. Ask me how i know lol. Is the fan shroud still intact? If its not, or by chance you're not running one, installing a newer will also help out significantly.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2014
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Update: I swapped out the water pump (NAPA)...one of the holes on the hub ended-up being stripped out...not sure if I should just run a tap or replace it.
Also, swapped out the thermostat...the one in there, was in backwards (shaking my head). I put in a high-flow 160. So far the truck hasn't overheated/gotten hot.
Also, swapped out the thermostat...the one in there, was in backwards (shaking my head). I put in a high-flow 160. So far the truck hasn't overheated/gotten hot.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
The 160 'stat is very cold and your engine won't get warm enough to thoroughly dispel the products of combustion out of the oil unless you drive for extended periods. These trucks came with a 192 degree 'stat for several reasons, inc that one.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,569
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From: Washington
I used to run a 180 deg, but it stuck, truck got to hot. When I went to NAPA they only had 160 or 195 in stock, so I went with the 160. The 180 is the best all around choice unless you are fighting over heating problems. When I use the AC the engine temp is around 180.
I always drill a small 3/32 hole in them to allow a small constant flow and to keep air from getting trapped.
I have had 3 thermostat failures in 5 years, I just am not willing to risk over heating the truck just to be at optimum emissions engine temperature / gas mileage etc...
I would wait until fall and then install a 180 as the heater will work better in the winter.
Jim
I always drill a small 3/32 hole in them to allow a small constant flow and to keep air from getting trapped.
I have had 3 thermostat failures in 5 years, I just am not willing to risk over heating the truck just to be at optimum emissions engine temperature / gas mileage etc...
I would wait until fall and then install a 180 as the heater will work better in the winter.
Jim