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Ok I need some more help guys, My truck still seems to be overheating while under a load... (pulling a long grade) I've changed thermostat x3, new waterpump, new clutch fan, new degas bottle, new cap, and flushed the system x2. I am missing something here, my only guess now is i have a leaking head gasket under sustained boost, and or a hose is colapsing under load? IDK??? I am supposed to be leaving for RRW tomorrow and towing my 28' camp trailer over the pass....
have you pulled the radiator and pressure washed it? I've seen a lot of cooling system problems remedied with a clean radiator. It can't be done in the truck, you've got to pull it and lay it down on some 2x4s and wash it back to front until the bugs and mud quit flowing. if you haven't done this give it a try.
are we talking boil over, or a guage that says its too hot? Have you tried an IR thermometer shot at the waterpump to get a true temp reading? IR thermos are about $20 to $70 and can be a lifesaver
Have you hooked AE up to it and monitored oil temp? That will tell you if it is actually getting hot. You could just have the coolant sensor going out... it is just an idiot light and does nothing motor wise. After the truck has completely cooled off, hook it up to AE and see if the ambient temp matches what AE reads for oil temp.
Check your thermostat, take it out and stick it in water and see what temp it opens at. I have had one before that does not open. An easy way to check this is once your truck is good and warm take your hand and squeeze the upper hose. If it collapses that means the thermostat is open. If it is still tight, then it isn't opening.
Second, check your radiator make sure junk hasn't plugged it up inside and out. Just an outside washing has helped other people out. It only takes maybe 20 minutes to take it out and then you can hose it out and see how well fluid flows through it.
OIL Cooler... check it as well, heck while you are over here for the weekend you ought to pull it out and rebuild it. Sounds like a couple others will be doing the same thing.
have you pulled the radiator and pressure washed it? I've seen a lot of cooling system problems remedied with a clean radiator. It can't be done in the truck, you've got to pull it and lay it down on some 2x4s and wash it back to front until the bugs and mud quit flowing. if you haven't done this give it a try.
Barney
I have not taken it out, I have although took a steam cleaner to it not long ago, I will shoot it tomorrow the best i can before i leave.
are we talking boil over, or a guage that says its too hot? Have you tried an IR thermometer shot at the waterpump to get a true temp reading? IR thermos are about $20 to $70 and can be a lifesaver
Not Boiling over, I wont let it get that high, I have let it get right to the beging of the red and backed out, coasted and temp comes right back down.... and no on the IR temp gun, dont have one anymore after running over mine.
Have you hooked AE up to it and monitored oil temp? That will tell you if it is actually getting hot. You could just have the coolant sensor going out... it is just an idiot light and does nothing motor wise. After the truck has completely cooled off, hook it up to AE and see if the ambient temp matches what AE reads for oil temp.
Check your thermostat, take it out and stick it in water and see what temp it opens at. I have had one before that does not open. An easy way to check this is once your truck is good and warm take your hand and squeeze the upper hose. If it collapses that means the thermostat is open. If it is still tight, then it isn't opening.
Second, check your radiator make sure junk hasn't plugged it up inside and out. Just an outside washing has helped other people out. It only takes maybe 20 minutes to take it out and then you can hose it out and see how well fluid flows through it.
OIL Cooler... check it as well, heck while you are over here for the weekend you ought to pull it out and rebuild it. Sounds like a couple others will be doing the same thing.
Dont have an AE, I did pull the Thermostat (that is new from napa) 195 deg, put it in water on the stove right as it started to boil it opened up....
Does it have the correct thermostat in it?
Not OEM Ford, but it is new????
Thank you for all of your replies.. sure wish I had an AE or an oil temp gauge to keep an eye on things and put my worries to ease or validate them...
Just praying it's not a head gasket.... I remember Cookie having a similar problem last year, but I believe he was puking out the degas overflow... I've spent more time under the hood and under that truck in the last month than I have driving it...
There are 2 different stats, one has a short stem and the other has a long stem. We seen this before with someone getting the short stem and having over heating problems like you. Check to make sure you have the long stem stat.
There are 2 different stats, one has a short stem and the other has a long stem. We seen this before with someone getting the short stem and having over heating problems like you. Check to make sure you have the long stem stat.
What ^^Rick^^ said! VERY important!
You MUST have the long-stem thermostat in your truck.
The parts-chimp at NAPA hasn't a clue, and I don't believe anyone even makes a 195 for our engine. Got the part number off that box? We can check it to see.
My truck was overheating for the first time last year while on vacation.
When I replace the engine a few months ago, the radiator was so full of debris that I could hardly see through it.
100,000 miles worth of dust, dirt, bugs, etc will block airflow very effectively.