I drive down the road and my temperature gauge heats up

RUSTY CANDY COLLINS

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-150
4WD
170,000 MILES

Okay so I drive down the road and my temperature gauge heats up to half way then it drops and then it spikes all the way up to hot and the oil light comes on. It build so much pressure that it shoots antifreeze through the coolant cap. When you shut it off and turn it back on it goes back to mid way but when you drive it a quarter mile it does it again. Use to if you left it on when it reads hot the temperature gauge would go back down within 30 sec. To normal but now it stays up and if you keep driving it. Now it shuts the cylinder down and it wont go above 20. We replaced the thermostat twice, change both ECT sensor and change the water pump.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Start by having your mechanic perform a chemical test at the radiator for a leaking cylinder head gasket. That will allow air to sneak into the cooling system, and that air will prevent the thermostat from opening, resulting in overheating.

Forget replacing sensors. They are only reporting the condition. Replacing them won't correct the cause of the problem.

When you have an engine-related problem, you need to say which engine you have. Some are known for leaking head gaskets. Some are known for other problems. Also look at how the radiator fan is run. Most are belt-driven, but it could also be electric. If yours is electric, be sure it is turning on.