Overheat problems during towing.

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Jul 20, 2005 | 12:36 PM

Johnboy_BoomerSooner

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From: Cameron, OK

Overheat problems during towing.

I sold my neighbor one of my old Bronco's, it was an 88 XL, 5.0L, auto O.D. trans. He's started having problems with it overheating, mainly when he's towing his boat. We've flushed it and sprayed out the fins in the radiator good, and put a new t-stat in it. No visible leaks or even noticable fluid loss... I'm kinda stumped. The fan clutch seems to still have plenty of resistance, if you spin it it only goes about a half turn after you let go before it stops. I never towed much with it, just a small utility trailer. Could it be that it needs a larger radiator (it only has a single core unit right now) or a transmission cooler? Any ideas or directions for trouble shooting will be appreciated. Thanks guys!

Jul 20, 2005 | 03:56 PM

ctch88

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How heavy is the boat? What rpm's is he running while towing it? Does he turn off the O.D. while towing? What gears is the Bronco running?

Jul 20, 2005 | 06:08 PM

FS88Bronco

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From: Florida

A single core radiator will not normally cut it, when towing a heavy boat or trailer in hot weather. Double core is best, with a transmission cooler for added assurance.

Jul 21, 2005 | 07:54 AM

Johnboy_BoomerSooner

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From: Cameron, OK

Bronco is running 3:55 gears, with 32X11.50 tires, and towing with the O.D. off. The boat is just a 17' Venture bass boat (fiberglass)... it towed fine with his Ranger. I was curious about the single core radiator, my bronco and my truck both have single cores, but I have the 4.9L I-6 in both of mine, and I don't have any temperature troubles... I had never seen a single core on a V-8 before though. My old F150 with the 5.8L had a 3 core I think. Anyway, I guess we'll call around and find a little bigger radiator for it this weekend and see if that helps.

Jul 21, 2005 | 09:49 AM

Kemicalburns

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From: Bend,OR

i suggest a 3 core minumum, also a b&m tranny cooler as well to keep the AOD happy. what degree tstat did you install? it is possible the clutch fan isnt working properly either. it should spin when cold and harder when warm

Jul 21, 2005 | 11:28 AM

tHeCoS

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From: Los Angeles

definitely at least 3 core. also check if the water pump was changed. some high volume water pumps can cause a hotter engine. not allowing the coolant to cool properly.