cooling (overheating)
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New User
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cooling (overheating)
PLEASE HELP!!! I have a 1992 E150 cargo van with a 4.9L 6 and automatic transmision. The problem is that I can not keep this thing from overheating. So far I have replaced radiator, water pump, thurmostat, fan clutch. flushed the system reverse and forward flow. None of this has helped in the least. Ive tried running straight water and 50/50mix, also tried cool down. It has a 195 degree thermostat (stock) also have tried a 160 and without a thermostat at all. With the 190 in it it will hover arround 210 untill you hit a grade and then it will run on up to 250. With any of the other thermostats or without, the temp just keeps climbing. The odometer shows 255,000 (not sure rather the original motor or not) The motor has no knocks and good oil presure and runs like I think it should when it is not overheating. Does anyone have a clue what could be wrong with this thing?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
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From: Upstate NY Rochester
cooling (overheating)
Hey peghead, welcome to the Forum!
When you say, it's overheating, you mean, that there's coolant overflowing to the point that you need to put a pan under the radiator to catch it?
Or do you mean, By the tepmerature READING, it is still getting too hot, even though you have replaced everything to do with the cooling system?
To my first question, even new parts can have defects and or at times, you the customer were given the wrong part, from the parts guy. I would have the radiator pressure tested. Maybe the back-flush dislodged something in the system.
If it's the second question, I would lean towards a bad sensor, or the wrong one (idiot light vs anolog) was installed.
You seem to be doing what you can for the situation.
Good luck and get back to us soon...
When you say, it's overheating, you mean, that there's coolant overflowing to the point that you need to put a pan under the radiator to catch it?
Or do you mean, By the tepmerature READING, it is still getting too hot, even though you have replaced everything to do with the cooling system?
To my first question, even new parts can have defects and or at times, you the customer were given the wrong part, from the parts guy. I would have the radiator pressure tested. Maybe the back-flush dislodged something in the system.
If it's the second question, I would lean towards a bad sensor, or the wrong one (idiot light vs anolog) was installed.
You seem to be doing what you can for the situation.
Good luck and get back to us soon...
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Joined: Aug 2003
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cooling (overheating)
Thanks for the replie Scooter. I have put a mechanical guage in it and tested it with my wifes meet thermometer (dont tell her LOL)it appeared to be right on the money. to your first question it will actually boil over if you let it get that far. I have noticed though that it does not seem to move a lot of water through the radiator even without a thermostat in it. I think at this point I have no choice but to take it back apart and have the radiator presure tested like you said and replace the water pump again. they both should still be under warrenty. thanks again for the post.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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cooling (overheating)
You did install the thermo the correct way. right? it is easy to install backwards.
Have you tried water wetter additive with plain water? Supposed to be real good stuff.
Where are you taking the temp from? block @ original location? or on the upper radiator to head ( thermo housing)?
If you are taking the temp from the thermo housing you will get higher temps than the block location ( under #5 cyl on passengers side under manifold) If the block temp is high, I would say that you have a lot of air in the system, creating vapor lock in the block.
Have you checked your oil for coolant? coolant for oil? Lost coolant or oil without a leak? These things indicate a cracked head, which can cause overheating.
Have you tried water wetter additive with plain water? Supposed to be real good stuff.
Where are you taking the temp from? block @ original location? or on the upper radiator to head ( thermo housing)?
If you are taking the temp from the thermo housing you will get higher temps than the block location ( under #5 cyl on passengers side under manifold) If the block temp is high, I would say that you have a lot of air in the system, creating vapor lock in the block.
Have you checked your oil for coolant? coolant for oil? Lost coolant or oil without a leak? These things indicate a cracked head, which can cause overheating.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
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cooling (overheating)
Sounds like you have a blockage some place. Without a thermostat you should be able to see the water shooting through the fins in the radiator with the cap off. You can try and bypass the heater core also by just connecting the two lines together for the heck of it. Other than that, only thing I can think of is make sure you also changed the radiator cap. If you loose pressure it will heat up too. But it sounds like a blockage to me.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
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From: Upstate NY Rochester
cooling (overheating)
Hey guys! alot of great advice here! I'll make sure I write this stuff down. Thanks for the back-up!
When I was just learning this stuff, I worked on all my ole' mans cars. 59' Rambler American Wagon, 56' Mercury, 65' Dodge Dart, 67' Dodge Dart (had the push button trans), 64' Chevy Impala, 68' Ford Fairlane, 65' Chevy Biscane. But out of all those vehicles, I did install the t-stat up-side-down. In the old Rambler, but hey , I was only 6 years old! Never did do that again though!
Well, anyways, we'll talk with you again soon!
When I was just learning this stuff, I worked on all my ole' mans cars. 59' Rambler American Wagon, 56' Mercury, 65' Dodge Dart, 67' Dodge Dart (had the push button trans), 64' Chevy Impala, 68' Ford Fairlane, 65' Chevy Biscane. But out of all those vehicles, I did install the t-stat up-side-down. In the old Rambler, but hey , I was only 6 years old! Never did do that again though!
Well, anyways, we'll talk with you again soon!
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cooling (overheating)
Thanks for the advice all. I will let you knoww what I find out after I check all this out. Thanks again
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