2003 Ford Expedition Engine temparture gage overheating

JUICEWORKS

MEMBER
2003 FORD EXPEDITION

Engine Cooling problem
2003 Ford Expedition V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic

My 2003 Expedition with 52k gage keeps going into the red. After driving the gage goes in the middle and stays for a while. It's building air pressure. The top hose from the thermostat is holding air pressure it's tight, until I release the pressure through the overflow bottle. I changed the thermostat and it continues to do the same. I also squeezed the top hose from the thermostat to the radiator it's getting hot. The bottom hose to the radiator is cold.

Do I have a bad Radiator? Bad thermostat? What's causing the air pressure to build up, and overheat?

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Water pump might not be pumping, Radiator clogged and thermostat stuck closed-if it continues do below

Have it block and pressure tested-do the block first to pinpoint a combustion leaking into the cooling system or a gas analyzer to sniff for hydrocarbons at the radiator fill neck.

Pressure test: do not do a pressure test if there's leakage at the headgasket this might cause coolant into the cylinders and lock it up or bend a connecting rod if cranked thereafter. The headgasket should be repaired before doing the pressure test.

If the block and pressure test passes check the following:, Pressure test the Rad. Cap, Clogged radiator, air lock in the cooling system, Fan clutch, Radiator electrical fan, collaspe hoses, water pump.