Engine Gets Very Hot with A/C on
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 162
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From: St. Louis, Misssouri
Engine Gets Very Hot with A/C on
I have a1996 Ford Econoline 150 conversion van with dual A/C evaporators. My problem is that when I turn on the A/C, the engine gets very warm, especially climbing hills. With the A/C off the gauge stays in the middle of the range. I check my coolant level and it always between the 'cold' and 'hot' marks on the recovery tank. The radiator itself is always full. I have a 302 in the van. The van has about 180K on it, but the engine was replaced about 40K ago.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Try cleaning out the radiator and condensor with a pressure washer. If you get enough bugs or bent over fins, the cooling efficiency will drop. The temperature rise means that the radiator is not handling the extra load, possibly because of airflow or efficiency problems. Flushing the cooling system is also probably a good idea.
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Joined: May 2003
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Cleaning the radiator with a pressure washer requires a little care, you can damage the fins with the high pressure. A 96 with high mileage may have a plugged radiator. I would consider pulling it and haveing a radiator shop clean it inside and out.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: S Alabama on 200 Acres
