Overheating
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Overheating
Hi folks,
I recently bought an 86 F-350 4x4 with a 460. For shorter trips around town, it behaved fine, but I took it across the state to pick up a trailer, and all sorts of problems started. Overheating. Hard to start. I have replaced both radiator hoses...they were pretty squashy...and the thermostat...it was stuck. It still runs warm, and spits coolant out of the overflow tank a few minutes after I shut down. I have heard that timing problems can cause overheating. It backfires on deceleration, and always hesitates accelerating through about 30-35mph. Oddest of all, it boggs down or even stalls going over washboards on my local dirt roads. I think its got multiple problems...any advice would be appreciated. Getting warm in Arizona
I recently bought an 86 F-350 4x4 with a 460. For shorter trips around town, it behaved fine, but I took it across the state to pick up a trailer, and all sorts of problems started. Overheating. Hard to start. I have replaced both radiator hoses...they were pretty squashy...and the thermostat...it was stuck. It still runs warm, and spits coolant out of the overflow tank a few minutes after I shut down. I have heard that timing problems can cause overheating. It backfires on deceleration, and always hesitates accelerating through about 30-35mph. Oddest of all, it boggs down or even stalls going over washboards on my local dirt roads. I think its got multiple problems...any advice would be appreciated. Getting warm in Arizona
Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 484
Likes: 1
From: Garden Grove USA
Overheating
Don't forget to check the fan clutch. If it is not working properly it will contribute to overheating when the engine is underload and needs additional cooling. Check the radiator too. It could be plugged, damaged or just plain too small.
Have you checked your timming? Running too far advanced will perform good, but cause hard hot starting and predetination under load. Too far retarded will put performance in the tank and cause bogging.
Also check the simple and cheap things like cap and rotor. This can make a world of difference (surprised me more than once).
Good luck...
Have you checked your timming? Running too far advanced will perform good, but cause hard hot starting and predetination under load. Too far retarded will put performance in the tank and cause bogging.
Also check the simple and cheap things like cap and rotor. This can make a world of difference (surprised me more than once).
Good luck...
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Overheating
Thanks Dan,
Yeah, fan clutch is okay. Radiator cap is good. Radiator itself could use some cleaning, but not badly clogged or anything. I think the my newest culprit...it makes a heck of a racket going uphill, and is awful to start when hot. I'll check timing and see if that improves things.
Yeah, fan clutch is okay. Radiator cap is good. Radiator itself could use some cleaning, but not badly clogged or anything. I think the my newest culprit...it makes a heck of a racket going uphill, and is awful to start when hot. I'll check timing and see if that improves things.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,966
Likes: 2,728
From: Virginia
Overheating
Is your exhaust manifold or donut gasket have a leak? This would explain being noisy going up a hill, and if it is spitting exhaust on the starter, would overheat the starter and make it hard to turn over.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 684
Likes: 0
Overheating
An 86, in Arizona, is in need of a new radiator by now no matter how good it may look on the outside. I put a four-core in mine, and it worked wonders.
Trending Topics
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Overheating
TFI ignition module is suspected of having heat related interrmittent problems that could alter timing wich could overheat your rad, may be worthwhile to test.
As for rad overheating it could be a seperate problem, thermostat is #1 suspect its usually replaced outright if suspect. Also while hot and idling squeeze top rad hose by hand and release, if you feel a surge the water pump is circulating properly.
As for rad overheating it could be a seperate problem, thermostat is #1 suspect its usually replaced outright if suspect. Also while hot and idling squeeze top rad hose by hand and release, if you feel a surge the water pump is circulating properly.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, FL
Overheating
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 19-Jul-02 AT 11:59 PM (EST)] ...Just to clarify and out of curiosity.... the Fan shroud is still in place right? Just wondering because ya' said it was second hand.
Vince,
Jacksonville, FL
Vince,
Jacksonville, FL
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Overheating
Yeah, the fan shroud is in place, and in good shape. I've replaced the thermostat now, and it's much better, but still warm when towing a trailer. Timing next, and probably a new radiator. Also, I think I have an exhaust leak from manifold to pipe, into the engine compartment. Could that be warming things up?
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Overheating
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 15-Oct-02 AT 12:25 PM (EST)]Well, there was an exhaust leak...where the pipe connected to the bottom of the right side manifold. It was blowing hot gasses on the starter, which eventually cooked. I replaced the starter, and found the leak and fixed it. Next, the water pump started leaking, soon severely. Replaced water pump...no more running hot.
