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1997 Ford Truck overheating

Tiny
DANIEL470
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 FORD TRUCK
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 19,000 MILES
Have a f-150 that when cold, comes up to running temp for about 1-2 miles then temp gauge drops to cold, lose heat for about 1 mile then goes back to running temp for 1 mile and then suddenly overheats. Pullover open then cap, then runs fine rest of the day.
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 3:15 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Test the thermostat and then comeback-You sure its not an airlock problem
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 4:38 AM
Tiny
DANIEL470
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Flushed system, changed thermostat, serpentine belt, idler pully. Think it is airlocked, but ran for 2 hours without cap on, now drops to cold for 1-2 miles but no overheat.
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 5:02 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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Now drops to cold for 1-2 miles but no overheat.

Are you refering this to the engine temperature gauge or the temperature inside the vehicle
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 5:07 AM
Tiny
DANIEL470
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Both. When temp gauge drops, so does the heat in cab. Thats what makes me think its an air pocket. But I also have to add about a gallon antifreeze everyday? It is not going into oil and doesnt leak since I changed radiator cap?
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 5:15 AM
Tiny
DANIEL470
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Also getting a chatter noise when engine is under light load and very small swirling motion of coolant in fill tank when engine running. Could there possibly be a problem with water pump? Would think it would overheat all the time then.
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 5:20 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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  • 75,992 POSTS
Now drops to cold for 1-2 miles but no overheat.

You're losing coolant somewhere is there any physical leak-if not your burning it in the combustion chamber-do you have white smoke coming out of the exhaust.

Pull the thermostat out and re-observe if its still doing the same thing.
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 5:21 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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One way to test for a bad water pump is to squeeze the upper radiator hose when the engine is hot and idling. Careful, because the hose will be HOT! If you do not feel much coolant circulating through the hose when you rev the engine, the pump may be bad. The other cause might be a bad thermostat that is not opening properly (remove and inspect the thermostat), or a clogged radiator
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 5:25 AM
Tiny
DANIEL470
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Dont see any physical leak, have white smoke until engine gets to running temp, then goes away. I have checked the top hose. It gets warm but not hot. Squeezes easily until thermostat opens, then can feel coolant going through but doesnt seem like alot of pressure, but didnt try it while revving engine. Could be clogged radiator. When first happened, opened cap and found rust colored foamy stuff, thats why I flushed and changed thermostat.
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 5:33 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Feel across the radiator do you feel cold spots-- if so its clogged-up the temperature should be even right across.
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 5:37 AM
Tiny
DANIEL470
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Ok will have to pull all the cowling. The only open spot is the fan opening
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 5:49 AM
Tiny
DANIEL470
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  • 14 POSTS
Thank you for all your help
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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009 AT 5:54 AM

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