overheating help
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overheating help
'93 f-150 5.8L 4X4 extended cab.
Towing my boat, climbing hills, or driving in town with the ac on, my truck likes to heat up. It still has the original radiator and stock fan with heavy duty clutch (both are in good working condition). Has shroud.
New 195 t-stat, water pump, and flushed last year. 60/40 coolant/dis water mix.
I live in Phoenix where it's 10 in the morning and 100 degrees right now.
If anybody has any ideas of how I could permanently fix this problem, or has had a problem like this, and how you fixed it. I don't know if it would take a aluminum radiator or an electric fan. I just don't like seeing the gauge read above normal (middle).
HELP PLEASE
Towing my boat, climbing hills, or driving in town with the ac on, my truck likes to heat up. It still has the original radiator and stock fan with heavy duty clutch (both are in good working condition). Has shroud.
New 195 t-stat, water pump, and flushed last year. 60/40 coolant/dis water mix.
I live in Phoenix where it's 10 in the morning and 100 degrees right now.
If anybody has any ideas of how I could permanently fix this problem, or has had a problem like this, and how you fixed it. I don't know if it would take a aluminum radiator or an electric fan. I just don't like seeing the gauge read above normal (middle).
HELP PLEASE
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 364
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From: Ca
I've seen many vehicles, new and old, overheat while climbing or towing with the a/c on. Do you still overheat under these conditions, but without the a/c? If not, then it's pretty simple.
But get a real temp gauge reading, don't rely solely on the factory gauge. And assuming you don't have any sort of blockage, a bigger radiator would help with this problem.
But get a real temp gauge reading, don't rely solely on the factory gauge. And assuming you don't have any sort of blockage, a bigger radiator would help with this problem.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
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Make sure that both the rad core and A/C condenser are free of debris that could restrict air flow.
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From: Texas
I just replaced the original fan clutch in my '94 F-150. I had been putting it off the last 2 summers, but last week she was starting to run real hot in traffic. Of course it would cool off after cruising non-stop for a while.
I submit this theory. Your fan clutch is bad.
Mine felt like the new one when I spun it by hand, but I don't think the thermostatic coil was functional.
Here's something I realized right away after replacing the clutch. When the truck is getting hot from a lot of city driving, the clutch kicks in and as I leave the stoplight and accelerate in each gear I get a roaring sound like I'm really revving the truck up, but I'm not.
I had let the problem go so long that I had forgotten that it made that noise.
It's a 100 here in Fort Worth but now the truck temp gauge stays on "N"...
But, this is just my theory. New clutch was $39.95 at Autozone...
I submit this theory. Your fan clutch is bad.
Mine felt like the new one when I spun it by hand, but I don't think the thermostatic coil was functional.
Here's something I realized right away after replacing the clutch. When the truck is getting hot from a lot of city driving, the clutch kicks in and as I leave the stoplight and accelerate in each gear I get a roaring sound like I'm really revving the truck up, but I'm not.
I had let the problem go so long that I had forgotten that it made that noise.
It's a 100 here in Fort Worth but now the truck temp gauge stays on "N"...
But, this is just my theory. New clutch was $39.95 at Autozone...
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,776
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From: Lorain County, Ohio
How do you know the fan clutch is good? Feeling the drag or hearing "the roar" is absolutely no indicator of a weak fan clutch. That will only tell you if it is or isn't completely dead.
Did you check it with a strobe tachometer? That is the only way to "test" a fan clutch.
If that fan clutch is original, or is an aftermarket clutch over about 4-5 years old, there's your culprit.
Towing and climbing hills produces tons of heat heat in the RPM range where the fan clutch is most needed. If it's weak, you will overheat.
A 15 year old clutch is looonnngg overdue for replacement and aftermarket clutches are only good for about 4-5 years on average. Aftermarket clutches also often fall short under these exact conditions even when new, even the "Heavy Duty" ones.
Bite the bullet and spend the money on a Motorcraft fan clutch if you are going to actually "work" your truck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Central NY
How big a load are you towing?
what speed are you going when it starts to heat up? At 55 a new fan or clutch isn't going to solve your problem.
Have you replaced the rad cap?
Have the radiator flushed and the inner core checked? Crud buildup can dramitcally reduce how well a radiator works.
Someone mentioned the AC condensor, an excellent point. Check it and make sure theres adaquate airflow thru it.
what speed are you going when it starts to heat up? At 55 a new fan or clutch isn't going to solve your problem.
Have you replaced the rad cap?
Have the radiator flushed and the inner core checked? Crud buildup can dramitcally reduce how well a radiator works.
Someone mentioned the AC condensor, an excellent point. Check it and make sure theres adaquate airflow thru it.
Last edited by Popa Tim; Jul 20, 2008 at 12:21 AM. Reason: more questions and ideas
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The ROAR is there. The fan clutch was new last year, and I upgraded it from a 'stock' to heavy-duty. It was a special order part for my truck; ie-upgraded. I cannot see any restrictions within the condensor/radiator.
Towing a 21' ski boat. Tandem axle trailer, with all new parts(bearings, tires, etc.).
I'm going to send out the radiator, and have it rodded and recored. Hopefully that does it.
Towing a 21' ski boat. Tandem axle trailer, with all new parts(bearings, tires, etc.).
I'm going to send out the radiator, and have it rodded and recored. Hopefully that does it.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Ft. Worth, Texas
based on my experiences, I would say the radiator. Try a flush yourself. If this doesn't help, then I would replace the radiator.
One way to check it is when you truck gets hot, turn on the heater. Then see if the temperature goes down. If it does, then more that likely it's the radiator. You have a 93, so its about due for one. I picked up a heavy duty one real cheap on ebay for my 95 a couple of months ago.
One way to check it is when you truck gets hot, turn on the heater. Then see if the temperature goes down. If it does, then more that likely it's the radiator. You have a 93, so its about due for one. I picked up a heavy duty one real cheap on ebay for my 95 a couple of months ago.