Right to it then

93 4.9l E40D Tranny, 4x4, tow package, 3.73 ratio.
Flowmaster 3" complete. Hypertech power chip, K&N Filter,
MSD Blaster Coil. 180* thermo
When pulling at very near to Max Gross combined vehicle W
on long adverse the water temp climbs up to near the top of the gauge and starts to make a body a little nervous. What would be the first thing to look at and what would be the best cooling upgrade to try. Responses much appreciated

 

Dont really know much about your problem but how does that flowmaster sound. Is it loud and do you like it.

 

I'd start with a tranny cooler (in addittion to the oil cooler built into the radiator) if you don't already have one installed.

 

How is your radiator? Been flushed lately? The tranny cooler would help some. If your radiator is good, you may just need a bigger one, assuming all else is ok. You are showing the signs of a semi-clogged radiator when it's ok at gentle speeds, etc, but gets hot on the road, or under heavy loads. It ain't keeping up with the program. I would make sure the stat is opening properly. You can do that on the stove with a thermometer, and the stat in a pan of boiling water. It should be open before the water is boiling. MK

 

I think an upgraded radiator is your best bet. The one that came with mine was pretty puny . I replaced it due to a leak a couple of years ago, with an Autozone model ( it was thicker than the old radiator). The temp gauge pretty much hangs between N and O, even when pulling a 6000GVW trailer. No overheating problems here and my truck is all stock.

 

Also check your fan clutch. this can be the cause of many problems that can be looked at as "a bad radiator".

Make sure your system is clean(use Prestone cooling system cleaner...the one where you drive for like 3-4 hours, then flush it out) change your thermostat, make sure your pump is ok, FLUSH FLUSH FLUSH till water runs clear for 5 minutes. Then drain block and rest of system and add 50% water/50% anti-freeze.

Mine was doing exactly same as yours. Running between r & m until I hooked up and started climing hills then needle up to high end, even with the heater running full blast. FLUSHED and refilled, changed thermostat, ALL HOSES, and fan clutch. Now runs without fail at 195 (I have an aftermarket gauge hooked up also) and between o & r without moving. Tried two weeks ago to get it to move. 3 mile 10% grade, 3000# boat, ended up in 2nd, at 35mph, A/C on (in 90deg plus 95% humidity heat right before Isabel). Sucker stayed spot on at 195. Never moved. And the A/C stayed cold too.

Change fluid out every two years.


Larry

 

Thanx guys, sounds like the steps to take. Larry, the clutch fan thing, how do you do the check other than it seems to turn allright. You would think that a truck would come from the factory with enough cooling capacity engineered in to operate at max in sever conditions without overheating if all things are right and good. After all it is a Ford.