Overheating
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Overheating
I have a 1986 F150 Lariat with an inline 6. When i drive the vehicle it heats up really quickly. If i turn on the vent or the heater I am able to maintain the temperature so that it does not over heat. Once the vehicle is turned off it takes a long time to cool. My question is is this is Thermostat / Water pump issue? I have looked into both and am honestly looking to just replace both of them. However, I cant find a blown up diagram in my Chilton's or any other literature that has the thermostat in it. Am I just missing it or am I completely off base. Any diagnosis suggestions or ideas on where to look are appreciated.
Thank you
Thank you
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 8
From: North Carolina
If the upper radiator hose does not become very hot to the touch and feel pressurized when the engine has warmed up fully, this suggests the thermostat may be stuck closed. That is an easy fix.
Or alternatively: coolant level may be very low, or pump went bad, or clogged radiator.
Or alternatively: coolant level may be very low, or pump went bad, or clogged radiator.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Is the bottom hose cool enough to hold?
If not its likely your radiator is full of scale or sludge.
Change the thermostat for a genuine Motorcraft 192*.
Its cheap and just part of cooling system maintenence.
Stant and others are all seeing "cost cutting" measures.
FORGET about snakeoil feature thermostats. They're crap.
If not its likely your radiator is full of scale or sludge.
Change the thermostat for a genuine Motorcraft 192*.
Its cheap and just part of cooling system maintenence.
Stant and others are all seeing "cost cutting" measures.
FORGET about snakeoil feature thermostats. They're crap.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
First thing, how do you know it's overheating? A lot of money has been wasted on a faulty factory temp sending unit. Are you going by the gauge?
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New User
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The gauge as well as temp taken straight from the engine compartment. It could honestly be scale and sludge. It is an 86 with 103000 miles on it. I bought it this spring.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Algona,WA
Put a real set of gauges in it. Don't rely on the factory gauges for something like this.
The only good thermostat I've ever used is a Motorcraft RT1139, OEM 192* F thermostat. Had bad luck with the aftermarket brands.
The only good thermostat I've ever used is a Motorcraft RT1139, OEM 192* F thermostat. Had bad luck with the aftermarket brands.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,950
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
What readings did you get under the hood?
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