Overheating issue?
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Overheating issue?
I have a 85 ford f350 with the 460. My problem is that it starts to get hot when I am at idle (leave it running when picking up my son at school), but then starts to cool down when i start driving again. I noticed I was out of coolant in the reservoir when I changed my oil a few weeks ago and filled it back up. Now I checked today and the reservior is empty, but I haven't noticed any leaks. I only drive it about 5 miles per day. Not sure where to start, any help?? Thanks!
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From: Edgewood, WA
overheating issue
Well, I'm certainly not much of a mechanic, and have a very limited knowledge of these trucks, except I own one, which does not make me an expert. If the truck runs good, is not missing like the water is going into the cylinder heads, is not leaking out anywhere it would appear to me it is just low on coolant. I would approach the problem with the simplest possible method. With the proper antifreeze mixture, fill the radiator, fill the overflow and drive the truck. If it stays full and does not overheat while idling or driving, then I would assume the problem was resolved. Just my simple mind, and a simple solution to at least isolate what the real problem is. 
Jerry Reichert Edgewood Washington
Jerry Reichert Edgewood Washington
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From: Northeast, OK
Reese - I would help us to know where you are located. Go to User CP and update it please.
Having said that, you may have a bad fan clutch as at a stop the fan clutch has to come in and bring the fan on to pull air through the radiator. Otherwise, the engine will overheat. However, you may not have an overheating problem at all if you are relying on the stock temp gauge. The gauges in these trucks are notorious for being error-prone. So most of us run aftermarket gauges in addition to the factory gauges. But, you can check to see that it is getting warm/hot by using a non-contact IR thermometer and check the temp of the thermostat housing. It should read close to the thermostat's opening temp, which is going to be 160, 180, or 190 degrees.
Having said that, you may have a bad fan clutch as at a stop the fan clutch has to come in and bring the fan on to pull air through the radiator. Otherwise, the engine will overheat. However, you may not have an overheating problem at all if you are relying on the stock temp gauge. The gauges in these trucks are notorious for being error-prone. So most of us run aftermarket gauges in addition to the factory gauges. But, you can check to see that it is getting warm/hot by using a non-contact IR thermometer and check the temp of the thermostat housing. It should read close to the thermostat's opening temp, which is going to be 160, 180, or 190 degrees.
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From: Virginia
Overheating at speed is a coolant flow problem. Overheating in town and at idle is a air flow problem. I agree, if it really is overheating, then it's going to be fan related, those fan clutches do go bad on a regular basis. And make sure you still have your plastic fan shroud around the fan.
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Overheating issue
Thanks guys for all the pointers. I'm leaning towards the fan clutch as I haven't seen any evidence of leaks. Btw, I live in Yuma Az where we 110-115 degree days are normal. Also, I've noticed it gets worse with the ac on...I know I'm lucky to have it on something his old.
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Yes, check the fan clutch and make sure the properly mixed coolant is topped off.
Also check the radiator cap. if it's not holding pressure your coolant may escape that way.
Also check to see if you have an accumulation of dead bugs and other debris blocking the cooling fins of your radiator and AC condenser. That will certainly impede airflow.
Finally, as the others have noted, the gauges on these vehicles are notoriously inaccurate. Even with a modern electronic instrument cluster voltage regulator my temp gauge reads higher when I run the blower motor.
Taking temp readings with a point and shoot, no-contact, infrared thermometer at the thermostat housing will let you know if you're really getting hot or if it's just a wonky gauge.
Also check the radiator cap. if it's not holding pressure your coolant may escape that way.
Also check to see if you have an accumulation of dead bugs and other debris blocking the cooling fins of your radiator and AC condenser. That will certainly impede airflow.
Finally, as the others have noted, the gauges on these vehicles are notoriously inaccurate. Even with a modern electronic instrument cluster voltage regulator my temp gauge reads higher when I run the blower motor.
Taking temp readings with a point and shoot, no-contact, infrared thermometer at the thermostat housing will let you know if you're really getting hot or if it's just a wonky gauge.
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pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: EXTREME southwest CT
the AC condenser dumping heat in front of the radiator is telling you the radiator can not shed enough heat over its area.
I have had a few clutches lock up but never one fail freewheeling.
If the clutch seems fine, check the radiator for scale inside.
PO's who've topped up with hard water cause all kind of cooling problems.
I'd be surprised the block would even get to temp in 5 miles driving.
Of course I don't live in Arizona either...
I have had a few clutches lock up but never one fail freewheeling.
If the clutch seems fine, check the radiator for scale inside.
PO's who've topped up with hard water cause all kind of cooling problems.
I'd be surprised the block would even get to temp in 5 miles driving.
Of course I don't live in Arizona either...
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Don't forget that we haven't determined if it really is overheating. I spent quite some time a couple of years ago trying to find out why my truck was overheating, only to find out the factory gauge was wrong.
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Well, I'm certainly not much of a mechanic, and have a very limited knowledge of these trucks, except I own one, which does not make me an expert. If the truck runs good, is not missing like the water is going into the cylinder heads, is not leaking out anywhere it would appear to me it is just low on coolant. I would approach the problem with the simplest possible method.
With the proper antifreeze mixture, fill the radiator, fill the overflow
and drive the truck.
With the proper antifreeze mixture, fill the radiator, fill the overflow
and drive the truck.When water heats up...it expands, goes into the reservoir. When it cools down, it goes back into the radiator.
Prior to 1973, trucks didn't come with a reservoir, when the water expanded, it went out the radiator overflow hose onto the ground.
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