Frustrating Overheating Issue
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 816
Likes: 2
From: Sandy Hook, CT
Frustrating Overheating Issue
1993 F150 4x4 5.0 A/T. On the regular route I take to run errands, my truck runs at normal temp--between the "O" and the "R" on the temp gauge.However, when I take a different route-one with hills-the truck will run hot, almost 3/4 or more on the gauge. What would cause this to happen? This happens on the highway, too...running straight and level, no problems, but the second that you come upon a grade, up goes the temp! Damn frustrating and makes me want to get rid of this truck.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 13
From: Shawnee National Forest
Do you work on your truck yourself? This may take some diagnosing but start with the basics. Is it full of clean 50/50 coolant? If so try a new radiator cap (cheap). How long since the thermostat was last replaced? Another cheap part and fairly easy to do. Does it have a fan clutch? Probably not the problem though.
Their are a lot of things that can cause this problem on that age of a truck. Another common one is a partially restricted radiator or the fins on the outside of the core are clogged with bugs, bent, loose etc. reducing air flow. My 96 F-150 5.8 did the same thing recently pulling a heavy trailer. It was full of clean coolant and the radiator had been repaired and rodded out not too long ago. I bought a new t'stat which I haven't replaced yet. Of course with no trailer it is fine. When the truck is working hard the engine is developing more heat, if the cooling system is not perfect you will have this problem. It could be a fairly simple fix so don't give up on the truck yet.
Their are a lot of things that can cause this problem on that age of a truck. Another common one is a partially restricted radiator or the fins on the outside of the core are clogged with bugs, bent, loose etc. reducing air flow. My 96 F-150 5.8 did the same thing recently pulling a heavy trailer. It was full of clean coolant and the radiator had been repaired and rodded out not too long ago. I bought a new t'stat which I haven't replaced yet. Of course with no trailer it is fine. When the truck is working hard the engine is developing more heat, if the cooling system is not perfect you will have this problem. It could be a fairly simple fix so don't give up on the truck yet.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 464
Likes: 5
From: Redmond, WA USA
Do you have any old-time radiator repair shops in your area? If so, you should bring the radiator in for a flow test. Let's do the math here: 2021 - 1993 = 28 year old radiator. By that math, you are due for a new one. I replaced the one in my 1990 F350 a couple of years ago due to the side tank seal leaking. Sorry that I can't offer any advice on what the best replacement radiator is these days (there is so much chinesium crap out there, some good, some OK, some just horrible).
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,327
Likes: 1,302
From: Central Mississippi
If it was mine, I'd do a flush with this stuff made by Evaporust. Motorcraft 195* thermostat & test it before install.
https://evapo-rust.com/thermocure/
https://evapo-rust.com/thermocure/
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5,219
Likes: 804
If it was mine, I'd do a flush with this stuff made by Evaporust. Motorcraft 195* thermostat & test it before install.
https://evapo-rust.com/thermocure/
https://evapo-rust.com/thermocure/
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 12,327
Likes: 1,302
From: Central Mississippi
First time I used the regular stuff I thought to myself it'd be great to clean out a cooling system if it only wasn't so expensive.
Couple years later, they came out with a specific product.
Couple years later, they came out with a specific product.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 319
From: Mississippi
I LOVE evaporust and if this stuff works ANYTHING like ER, then I am going to use some in my "new" (to me) '87 while I am doing my fluid changes this weekend!
Wow..... just .... WOW!
AND... I bet it will show you if your radiator is good or not.....LOL.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5,219
Likes: 804
Dang.... Thanks for posting that stuff David!
I LOVE evaporust and if this stuff works ANYTHING like ER, then I am going to use some in my "new" (to me) '87 while I am doing my fluid changes this weekend!
Wow..... just .... WOW!
AND... I bet it will show you if your radiator is good or not.....LOL.
I LOVE evaporust and if this stuff works ANYTHING like ER, then I am going to use some in my "new" (to me) '87 while I am doing my fluid changes this weekend!
Wow..... just .... WOW!
AND... I bet it will show you if your radiator is good or not.....LOL.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 394
Likes: 13
From: 13th Colony
I recently replaced mine. The temp would bounce around a lot. New unit has temp steady now.
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