Notices
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L) Diesel Topics Only

overheat causes?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 31, 2006 | 01:01 PM
  #1  
dsfleye's Avatar
dsfleye
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
overheat causes?

Hello all. First post here. I own a 7.3L '94 IDI that's overheating, or at least, running hot. Hasn't gone red yet & don't want it to! A friend checked it out & said there was a crack in the radiator & pressure in the radiator. The pressure could be from cracked core or blown head gasket he says. But there's no water in the oil & there is no loss of power. Still runs strong, just heats up extremely quick (up hills & on the freeway it went to the "L" on the temp gauge) Then when I shut it off, the water in the overflow is boiling. Trying to start small. Any help is appriciated.
Thanks,
Dan
 
Reply
Old May 31, 2006 | 01:32 PM
  #2  
bilder12's Avatar
bilder12
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern Pa - USA
did you increase the fuel delivery at any time ? Is it turbocharged ? Did you replace the thermostat with original type from international ? Is the radiator fins plugged with crap ? Does the fan clutch work properly ? There are the cheapest places to start. Hope it helps you out.
 
Reply
Old May 31, 2006 | 01:52 PM
  #3  
dsfleye's Avatar
dsfleye
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thank you, it's not a turbo & the radiator is clear. The thermostat is in working order, but haven't checked the fan clutch. Again, thank you
 
Reply
Old May 31, 2006 | 10:33 PM
  #4  
Dave Sponaugle's Avatar
Dave Sponaugle
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Club FTE Silver Member

dsfleye,
Welcome to FTE and the IDI diesel forum.

The only thermostat you can use in the Navistar diesel has to come from either Ford or International. The rest of them will cause problems.
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2006 | 06:39 AM
  #5  
bilder12's Avatar
bilder12
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,897
Likes: 0
From: Northeastern Pa - USA
if it did run hot at any time, you may have a crack in one of the heaads that will only show up when hot. Watch the coolant level and also check the oil fill cap for any sign of coolant in the oil or compression in the radiator. I do beleive the radiator cap is set for 10-12 lbs which is normal. You might also have a goofy guage, they only worth about $1.50. Good luck.
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2006 | 08:09 PM
  #6  
dsfleye's Avatar
dsfleye
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Thanks all for the replies. The radiator was toast, so I put a new one in. Doesn't run hot anymore. Compression test showed 3 lbs of pressure in the radiator & the radiator cap is 13lbs. The thermostat is a Motorcraft 195 degree which I understand is acceptable. When I come home & do take the oil fill cap off, it seems to steam a bit. That doesn't look good to me! Any suggestions appreciated. Thank you
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2006 | 09:22 PM
  #7  
Dave Sponaugle's Avatar
Dave Sponaugle
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Club FTE Silver Member

The steam in the crankcase is probably oil vapor.
If it were water or steam you would see white looking sludge on the high part of the dip stick and under the oil fill cap.

Are you running DCA 4 or another SCA in the coolant to prevent cavitation?
 
Reply
Old Jun 1, 2006 | 09:39 PM
  #8  
dsfleye's Avatar
dsfleye
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Clean oil cap & yes running with Fleetguard. If there's something better I'll gladly run it. I wanna keep this in the best condition I can. Just took it for a spin & feels like power, freeway to hill climb. Thanks all for the knowledge. Brand new to this diesel thing, hoping to learn alot (already have in the last few days here). Seems this is the place, eh? See you all soon...but hopefully not too soon. Lol!
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Jun 1, 2006 | 10:35 PM
  #9  
Dave Sponaugle's Avatar
Dave Sponaugle
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Club FTE Silver Member

Just come on back real soon, we like to share all kinds of info.

I come in every day for a couple of hours to share and learn.
It works both ways.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
xpanmanx
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
3
Jun 16, 2013 10:46 PM
mramelbass
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
5
Aug 9, 2008 10:36 PM
ErnieX
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Apr 20, 2007 09:33 AM
thebone
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jan 4, 2004 04:53 PM
Franken-Truck
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
5
Jun 11, 2003 11:48 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:13 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