Hi all,

Have a 2002 Excursion 7.3L with about 89K on it. Live in Richmond, VA and yesterday it was mid to upper 90s and I noticed the temperature gauge creeping up. Normally it stays at the halfway point on the gauge. I was driving a little aggressively (not wild, as my wife and 2 newborns were in the truck - just accelerating quickly) and I watched the needle go up to about 1/4" from the red zone. AC was cranking full blast at the coldest setting. Never got into the red, but stayed up there. I slowed down and it fell a little, but never got back to the standard half way mark. I do have a DP Tuner and had it on 80 economy setting.

Now a little history on the truck - little that I know - Sarasota, FL truck - previous owner had some heating issues. Vehicle was owned by the wife of a trailer company owner. Sometimes it was used to move empty trailers (from car trailers to larger enclosed trailers) and it the temp would rise. She had the radiator replaced, flushed ,etc. (at least what she told me over the phone). She said it never got into the red - always pulled over wWhen I drove it back from Orlando last October it did this one time before. Turned off the AC and slowed down and it eventually settled down after about 5-8 minutes. That was interstate driving.

This time was around town and I arrived at my destination before I could see if it would calm back down after I turned the AC off. (Wife would not have agreed with no AC for too long anyway). When I did get to my destination, I let it idle for about 8 minutes before turning off and temp gauge fell a little, but never got back to the standard half way mark.

Sticky thermostat? I assume that was replaced with the flushing/radiator replacement. Any thoughts anyone?

Weird - but I had to give my wife the truck today and am sitting at work thinking about it....

Thanks
Joe

 

Hey Joe, since this is a 7.3 problem, you should post this down in that forum.

Check out these two threads. Since your rad was already replaced, it probably isn't your problem, but it'll probably help get you going in the right direction.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...elp-again.html

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/964256-finally-figured-it-out-overheating-issue.html

I'd start with the basics. Degass cap, hoses, rad, thermo, etc.

Also, do you have gauges on your rig?

Stewart