Over Heating Excursion 5.4
 

<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top width="100%">Ok, I need help. My 2000 Excursion 5.4 liter is over heating pulling my 391xt Ranger. It never has before. I did have a minor accident 3 weeks ago, ran into the rear of a auto. Very minor damage, inspection shows no issues blocked air or air flow or hoses. I have had mine fxed.
Pulling the boat over 55 on the interstate in 3rd ( not OD) makes it get hot on any hill.
I switch on the heat, open the windows and it will cool down.
Radiator has been serviced, fluid is full and clean. Mileage is 134K.
Mechanic chaged thermostat with no improvement.
These Hills in North Alabama can get steep.
I need your suggestions.

Thanks,

FJ
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Have you checked the condition of the fan clutch? maybe it's not engaging properly.

Do you have a suggestion for a test of some sort. It was suggested that after truck was at normal operating temp. Stop engine, then try and spin the fan. If it turned freely, it may be bad. I can spin it 4 blades worth when I try this.
I am beginning to suspect at high rpm's, it might be slipping and not pulling enough air. Would that be possible?
Thanks for your help.
Fj

There really isn't a good simple test for a clutch fan. (If they are leaking oil that is a sure sign.) The fact that the truck is now overheating and wasn't before would lead me to also suspect the clutch fan. The accident may/may not have anything to do with it's questionable service now.

Check for air in the cooling system. It might need to be bled.

Do you know if the auto shop charged you (or the insurance company) for replacement coolant? As in, they had to take the radiator out for some reason?

If they don't bleed the system correctly, you'll have air in the system, and that's just not good ;)

The wreck was so minor, the tow hook did all the damage to the other car. My lower sheet metal and brown plastic took the hit. No damage to the radiator. It did not dent or affect the Power Steering cooler either.

When the Thermostat was replaced, it required some coolant, but with the miles I have driven since, any air should be gone.

Insurance wise, my deductable is so high I would never collect on this anyway.

when was the water pump last replaced? or has it ever?

Never replaced best I can tell. Original equipment. Testing Tomorrow or Sunday pm.
fj