Notices
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Towing blues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 13, 2007 | 11:37 PM
  #1  
placilla's Avatar
placilla
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Towing blues

Some of you already help me out with the initial problem (read about initial problem here www.ford-trucks.com/forums/644202-96-bronco-runs-hot-when-towing.html), but I have a quick question.

I took my travel trailer out this past weekend and it did not over heat like before, but it ran hotter than without the trailer. The temperature usually runs right on the middle of the word "NORMAL"</ST1, but with the trailer it when all the way up to the "A". It's that normal when pulling something? The roads were undulating, but nothing really steep. I am just afraid to take it out now and have to go up a long and steep climb. I am really happy with the way it drives, but if I can’t tow with it I’ll have to get something else, like a diesel truck. <O</O

Thanks<O</O
Placilla <O</O <O</O
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2007 | 04:50 AM
  #2  
b4hntn's Avatar
b4hntn
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 0
From: Longview, TX
Club FTE Silver Member

You mentioned the old thermostat came out in pieces. I'm not sure if this is possible with your engine but on some vehicles it is possible to install the thermostat backwards which would make it overheat. The "stuff" or working parts go toward the block. Another possibility is a heavy duty radiator. Look and see if the core fins are about as thick as the channels the radiator mounts in. Also, get mechanical water temp, oil pressure and transmission temp gauges. Again, vacuum hose leaks make it run lean and hot? Diesel engines are feasible for lots of miles and lots of towing. However, imo, more frequent oil changes and fuel filters make occasional driving less attractive.
 
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2007 | 09:22 AM
  #3  
alxsnmr's Avatar
alxsnmr
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 1
From: St Louis
It would not be a bad idea to look for coolant leaks around the block and radiator hoses. If that checks out, have you had any luck with doing a radiator flush to get the years of debris build up washed out?
 
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2007 | 05:52 AM
  #4  
b4hntn's Avatar
b4hntn
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 0
From: Longview, TX
Club FTE Silver Member

Another thought, if you are not needing to add coolant to the jug, maybe the radiator cap is not keeping the system pressurized. Also, check the coolant with a tester. It should be near 50/50 water/anti-freeze for better cooling.
 
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2007 | 01:53 PM
  #5  
Black Ford XLT's Avatar
Black Ford XLT
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 33
From: Swansea SC
#1 new radiator , #2 cooling fan factory ,if applicable, #3 flush radiator and block install a new cap , yes cap can cause problems( pressure related to your year and model) radiator can lose pressure in places naked to the eye#4 belts , inspect tighten replace if neccessary#5 water pump can be a culprit also Forget the losing coolant in your reservoir, M y 1992 does this and i tow heavy w/o any overheating problems TR
 
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2007 | 03:18 PM
  #6  
AEROSTAR ALIVE's Avatar
AEROSTAR ALIVE
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: SOGGY TUNDRA
maybe your ac condenser is full of crap, but I would go with, thermostat, fan clutch, possible water pump.

BUT ABOVE ALL.


CHANGE THAT RADIATOR.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
axbrya
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Dec 21, 2007 11:18 PM
ccelectric
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
25
Apr 23, 2007 06:59 PM
mrussum
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
1
Mar 9, 2007 08:42 PM
Hartwa
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
3
Oct 21, 2005 10:37 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:34 PM.

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