Ford F150 runs hot

[Cranky18]

I have a 1996 F150 302 V8. In the afternoon, when it is above about 95 degrees the temp gauge goes up to the edge between normal and hot. It does not do this until I have been driving for about 30 minutes and get into stop and go traffic. In the morning when it is cool, it always runs a little below halfway on the gauge. I replaced the thermostat and flushed the radiator, but it still gets hot. I think the fan clutch is O.k. but I am not sure. Any ideas?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

Cool avatar!<br /><br />Are you loosing coolant? Is it running smooth? <br /><br />To check the clutch fan, visually inspect for leaks and listen for it locking in when you are up to temp - it will make a distinctively different sound to when it is cold. Also spin it when cold, should have slight resistance. <br /><br />Assuming that the head gaskets are o/k, you probably have a partially blocked radiator, flushing with a hose won't budge the crud that builds up over time. Need to remove the tanks and 'rod' out the passages - best done by a radiator shop.<br /><br />Other things to check would be: <br /><br />Belt tightness. Collaping lower rad hose. Clear radiator fins (engine side).<br /><br />Aldo

 

[KRS]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

Trying flushing the radiator BackWards first... instead of flowing water from the hose in the typical direction, flush it opposite.. give 'er a try.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

Just went through this on a '96 Jeep Cherokee.<br />The radiator was half stopped up.<br />Had to take the tanks off each end and clean them out one by one.<br /><br />Take the rad to a rad shop and have them clean it.<br />That will do the trick for you.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

Check your belt tension. What looks tight might be glazed on the underside and slipping.

 

[Cranky18]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

Thanks for the responses. I had one of my techs (ex-marine) stick his hand in the fan while it was running (that guy scares me)fan clutch checks out ok! The belt tension is good, engine runs fine and there are no leaks. I am going to remove the radiator tonight and take it to a shop tomorrow.

 

[K Hultgre]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

If the engine cools back down to half way on the gauge when the traffic lets up and your driving (40-45mph +) I'd double check the fan clutch when its cold and the engine is off. Give'r a spin if it appears to coast to a stop replace it. shouldn't spin more than half rotation.

 

[DJ]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

Radiator.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

Fan Clutch, When it is hot, leave the engine running and open the hood, have someone turn the engine off and watch the fan. Fan should not spin more than just a few seconds, if it spins more than the count of three replace it. Also, when its hot, you should be able to hear the fan.

 

[Cranky18]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

LubeDude, I did that and the fan only turned for maybe a second. Dunaruna said it would make distinctively different sound to when it is cold (I couldn't really tell a difference). I replaced the radiator last night and I'll know this afternoon on the way home if it worked. It is supposed to get close to 100 today.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

Originally posted by Cranky18:<br /> LubeDude, I did that and the fan only turned for maybe a second. Dunaruna said it would make distinctively different sound to when it is cold (I couldn't really tell a difference). I replaced the radiator last night and I'll know this afternoon on the way home if it worked. It is supposed to get close to 100 today.

You will see a big difference also.

 

[Cranky18]

Re: Ford F150 runs hot

originaly posted by DJ<br /><br />Radiator

Originaly posted by SBN<br />Just went through this on a '96 Jeep Cherokee.<br />The radiator was half stopped up.<br />Had to take the tanks off each end and clean them out one by one.<br /><br />Take the rad to a rad shop and have them clean it.<br />That will do the trick for you.<br /> <br />

Those that answered correctly will receive a prize! It now runs above the "O" in "N O R M A L". Heat index was 105 yesterday, HEAVY traffic on I35, temp never moved.