Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Fluctuating water temp

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 10, 2003 | 06:54 AM
  #1  
F_150's Avatar
F_150
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
Angry Fluctuating water temp

1993, F150 V-8... Recently I had the small L shaped hose crack and I lost about a galloon of anti-freeze. I did not over heat however after the mech's changed the hose and added back the anti freeze.....my water temp gauge has been in a steady state of motion. I do mean steady motion, while I'm driving the guage roams from just shy of cold to just shy of hot. Water level is normal, oil level is normal and it is not overheating..... Is this simply a sensor issue????? Please advise.....
 
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2003 | 07:25 AM
  #2  
gasman6674's Avatar
gasman6674
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 3
From: Greenwood In. USA
Sounds to me like you might have an air pocket. Try running it in your driveway with the radiator cap loose for half hour or so after it warms up. It should burp it out.
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2003 | 07:24 AM
  #3  
F_150's Avatar
F_150
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach
Water temp update

This is becoming another case of experimenting by the mech's.... I had the water temp sensor replaced, mech's said check indicated it was out of range/bad. Shoot a temps around the block and discoved the thermastat might not be operating as designed. Changed that. So $120.00 dollars later....I have somewhat corrected the roaming temp hand BUT I still have issues. My problem seems to be in the area of circulation. Water temp seems to stay in the center of the normal range at idle HOWEVER, when I accelerate the temperature goes up to the high end of normal. With the radiator cap off, you can observe what seems to be a lack of circulation. Thoughts>>>> Maybe a partialradiator blockage, BUt the mech's are leaning towards a water pump problem. My issue....is this simply another case of guessing which means more money out of my pocket and still the same issue. PLEASE advice!
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2003 | 09:42 AM
  #4  
gasman6674's Avatar
gasman6674
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 3
From: Greenwood In. USA
Remember
The stock gauge is a glorified idiot light. Before you spend a ton of money put a manual gauge on it. You might want to have the cooling system power flushed also. My 92 had 96000 on it when i bought it and was pretty cruddy.
 
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2003 | 08:19 PM
  #5  
88bronk's Avatar
88bronk
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
The mechs may have put a hotter thermo in than you had before.
Ask them if you should expect the temp you are getting. Most my vehicles run lower idle temp than driving. I have watched the radiator and it seems like a very long time after you start it cold before flow begins. Even then the flow don't last long and it seems like a long time before it starts again. And the level drops when the flow starts. I spend too much time looking down holes.
Radiator Gazer
 
Reply
Old Dec 17, 2003 | 01:14 PM
  #6  
jbnite's Avatar
jbnite
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
I had this same problem with my truck, I replaced the thermostat first and found it would run at a low/normal temp when idling, when on the freeway it would jump to the top of the normal range, in the too hot area. I replaced the water pump and that fixed that problem, now I just cant figure out why it wont heat up past about 150 deg, the low point on the normal range.

But the water pump replacement did fix the jumpy temp issue.

Good luck.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ArtsBest
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
1
Jun 7, 2011 05:59 PM
KingRachPrincess
General NON-Automotive Conversation
22
Feb 26, 2006 11:50 PM
hellbent
1997 - 2003 F150
4
Feb 23, 2006 01:30 PM
kidcrow
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
11
Jul 19, 2003 05:59 PM
sjleslie
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Sep 28, 1999 09:01 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:25 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE