98' Explorer Running Hot
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New User
Joined: Mar 2005
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98' Explorer Running Hot
My 98 Explorer has started to run hot. I had the coolant replaced about a month ago and had no problems prior to that. The temp. gauge needle used to be exactly in the middle between "C" and "H".
Now once the engine warms and I'm driving, the needle is between the mid-point and "H." It occasionally goes all the way to "H" and the "check gage" light comes on. Then the needle will go back to between the mid-point and "H." When I sit and let it idle, it doesn't seem to get any hotter, the needle stays between mid-point and "H"
Anyone have a guess as to what's causing this? What's the corrective action? Replace thermostat? Water pump? Thanks for any advice.
Now once the engine warms and I'm driving, the needle is between the mid-point and "H." It occasionally goes all the way to "H" and the "check gage" light comes on. Then the needle will go back to between the mid-point and "H." When I sit and let it idle, it doesn't seem to get any hotter, the needle stays between mid-point and "H"
Anyone have a guess as to what's causing this? What's the corrective action? Replace thermostat? Water pump? Thanks for any advice.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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Try burping the radiator. An air pocket will give you those very same symptoms. When you R&R the coolant there is a procedure for purging the air from the system and if it's not done the vehicle will run hot and damage internal components. Sorry I can't recall the exact procedure but someone else will chime in.
From what I recall, you start with the engine cool and open the radiator and run it until the fluid starts to flow out and cap it tight. Do that several times and it should fix it. I also squeeze the large upper radiator hose to force the fluid back and forward and few times. But once the system is pressurized you can't do that any more.
From what I recall, you start with the engine cool and open the radiator and run it until the fluid starts to flow out and cap it tight. Do that several times and it should fix it. I also squeeze the large upper radiator hose to force the fluid back and forward and few times. But once the system is pressurized you can't do that any more.
