New Engine 1997 E250 4.2 - Temp Indicator Problem - Please help!
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New Engine 1997 E250 4.2 - Temp Indicator Problem - Please help!
Hi there, last night I just about wrapped up a three month project and need a little help to finish.
I am only slightly mechanical and three months ago I pulled the engine out of my 1997 Ford E250 4.2 Cargo Van. Pulling it out took me a week of evenings, cleaning and painting the used parts took another month, hunting down replacement parts and a re-manufactured engine took me another month.
Last night I finally got everything re-installed, topped off all the fluids and she started up on the very first try. The bad news is that within three seconds the temp indicator went through the roof. There is no way an engine can go to 300+ degrees in three seconds so I am guessing I have a sensor problem? I even checked the radiator fluid and it was just as cold as when it was poured in and the engine block was cool to the touch. I let it sit for a few hours and started up again with the same result.
I seriously don't think it's a lack of fluids. I counted the quarts of oil as I poured them in as well as the radiator fluid. They are full to the proper capacities.
The engine purrs like a kitten but I don't want to take it out on the road to break it in until I have a properly functioning temp indicator. Any suggestions on where to start looking for a solution? The van is a 1997 but I believe the new re-manufactured-engine is a 2004.
I bought the engine from Powertrain Products for about $1800. It was delivered in two days, the engine looked beautiful, their staff was helpful and I avoided the core charge by having them pick up my old motor two weeks after they delivered the new one. The warranty is an unbelievable 4 year / million miles whichever comes first.
So what could be making my temp gauge lie to me?
-Mike
I am only slightly mechanical and three months ago I pulled the engine out of my 1997 Ford E250 4.2 Cargo Van. Pulling it out took me a week of evenings, cleaning and painting the used parts took another month, hunting down replacement parts and a re-manufactured engine took me another month.
Last night I finally got everything re-installed, topped off all the fluids and she started up on the very first try. The bad news is that within three seconds the temp indicator went through the roof. There is no way an engine can go to 300+ degrees in three seconds so I am guessing I have a sensor problem? I even checked the radiator fluid and it was just as cold as when it was poured in and the engine block was cool to the touch. I let it sit for a few hours and started up again with the same result.
I seriously don't think it's a lack of fluids. I counted the quarts of oil as I poured them in as well as the radiator fluid. They are full to the proper capacities.
The engine purrs like a kitten but I don't want to take it out on the road to break it in until I have a properly functioning temp indicator. Any suggestions on where to start looking for a solution? The van is a 1997 but I believe the new re-manufactured-engine is a 2004.
I bought the engine from Powertrain Products for about $1800. It was delivered in two days, the engine looked beautiful, their staff was helpful and I avoided the core charge by having them pick up my old motor two weeks after they delivered the new one. The warranty is an unbelievable 4 year / million miles whichever comes first.
So what could be making my temp gauge lie to me?
-Mike
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,725
Likes: 2,652
From: SE Florida
Is the sensor from the old engine, or did it come with the new engine?
I'll be it came with the new engine and that the sensor is one for a light, not a gauge. A sensor for a light is going to be all the way off or all the way on, no middle ground like a gauge sensor.
Replace the sensor with the correct one from a parts store.
I'll be it came with the new engine and that the sensor is one for a light, not a gauge. A sensor for a light is going to be all the way off or all the way on, no middle ground like a gauge sensor.
Replace the sensor with the correct one from a parts store.
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