Radiator Problems?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 17, 2002 | 09:32 AM

ScottyB

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 52

Likes: 0

From: Green Bay USA

Radiator Problems?

Here are the problems.
'86 F250 w/351 4X4
My radiator overflow tank is always empty, but my radiator is usually full, but I add some to the tank anyway. I don't overheat under normal driving. I overheat within 5 miles when I have my plow on.
Where is the coolant going? I must have added 3 gallons over the last few weeks( 1 quart at time). I know I have a small cold water leak but that drip doesn't even make it to the floor. There is no antifreeze in the oil or on my floor.
I may replace the radiator, but will that help? Could there be air in the system? But like I say it runs great without the plow. Is having a radiator "cooked" anything close to getting a new one? Will a different fan blade angle help?

As you can tell I have a desk job.......and a garage full of tools.
Scary combination,eh.
ScottyB.

Jan 17, 2002 | 11:52 AM

PAUL_2

Postmaster

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 3,172

Likes: 4

Radiator Problems?

Does the overflow tank itself leak or the hose from it to the radiator ? Check the water pump for leaks . Does the trans have a cooler or do the trans lines go to the radiator ? I suspect that you are losing most of the coolant when you are plowing . The plow may be blocking the air flow but I cant imagine it blocking it enough to cause the engine to overheat . Does your truck have A/C ? If so , Look between the condenser & radiator for any debris that might be resticting the air flow . Do you have one of the radiators with the aluminum core & plastic tanks ?

Jan 17, 2002 | 12:21 PM

onestep

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 124

Likes: 0

From: Plymouth US

Radiator Problems?

Is the fan shroud still on it? Very Very Very important.
Did I mention it was important.

Jan 17, 2002 | 12:24 PM

ScottyB

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 52

Likes: 0

From: Green Bay USA

Radiator Problems?

Thanks for your reply,
No A/C.
The jug doesn't leak.
If the waterpump does leak, I don't know where the coolant is leaking to, not on the floor. The one question that I come back to is this: If the coolant system works fine without the plow, should the fact that the plow blocks the airflow really cause a good system to overheat? I am going to check for air in the system and let it run for a while in the snow so I can see where or if it's leaking. My thought is that if I was in need of a new or clean radiator, it would probably overheat without the plow, correct? I guess I will have to get out the wallet and bring it to someone who works with coolant systems.
Thanks again,
ScottyB.

Jan 18, 2002 | 10:28 AM

mplaum

New User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

From: Edmonton Canada

Radiator Problems?

Make sure the rad fluid isn't leaking into your crankcase. :\

(check for froth in your engine oil.)

Best of luck,
Markus

Jan 22, 2002 | 09:09 AM

ScottyB

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 52

Likes: 0

From: Green Bay USA

Radiator Problems?

I found the leak.
Thank you for your replies. It was a small leak from a hose clamp. Apparently it leaked alot while going down the road. The coolant consumption is at least managable now.
I still may flush the radiator to get better performance but nothing urgent.

Thanks,
ScottyB.

Jan 22, 2002 | 05:27 PM

Franklin2

Moderator

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 56,977

Likes: 2,733

From: Virginia

Radiator Problems?

It was common for our company pickup to overheat with the plow installed. And the instructions with the plow warned of this. But it only overheated while going down the highway, not when plowing. I was going down the interstate and it was getting hot. I found out if you lowered the plow as much as you dare without hitting the pavement, it helped it.