mariner45
Full Access Member
Rob,
I think you have more than one thing happening - probably two or three at the same time.
1st - don't rely on the Ford water temperature gauge - install an aftermarket one and you should get a better idea of what is happening.
Thermostat would be the first thing to replace with a new Ford or IH one - then you know for sure you have a good one.
Drain off some coolant and check inside the radiator - are the tubes clear or do you have a mineral build up inside them ? If the tubes are getting plugged you can try using vinegar to clear the blockage. However, vinegar or any acid, doesn't like aluminum - so be warned.
It might be worthwhile removing the radiator and getting it cleaned properly. You might have to replace the radiator if it is the original. If your radiator cannot handle the heat load when pulling uphill, even with new fan clutch and water pump you will still overheat.
For comparison - in my old 86 F250 with 6.9, C6 and 3.55 rear end, I could pull an 8,000 lb trailer all over BC and through the mountains in general, without any problems. I drive to keep the temperatures at a reasonable level - and, often have to slow down and use the 2nd gear to keep temperatures acceptable.
All the other things mentioned, could contribute to over heating - bad injectors, timing, fan clutch, water pump, old coolant etc. One thing you should be certain of and that is that your radiator hoses are in good condition - might be well worth while replacing both of them with new ones.
KISS principle works well. Check your rad tubes first. Replace the engine coolant and flush out the engine properly until you know the old stuff is completely out.
There should be a small improvement with everything you do - but a big improvement when the right problem is fixed.
Good luck and let us know how you made out.
mariner
I think you have more than one thing happening - probably two or three at the same time.
1st - don't rely on the Ford water temperature gauge - install an aftermarket one and you should get a better idea of what is happening.
Thermostat would be the first thing to replace with a new Ford or IH one - then you know for sure you have a good one.
Drain off some coolant and check inside the radiator - are the tubes clear or do you have a mineral build up inside them ? If the tubes are getting plugged you can try using vinegar to clear the blockage. However, vinegar or any acid, doesn't like aluminum - so be warned.
It might be worthwhile removing the radiator and getting it cleaned properly. You might have to replace the radiator if it is the original. If your radiator cannot handle the heat load when pulling uphill, even with new fan clutch and water pump you will still overheat.
For comparison - in my old 86 F250 with 6.9, C6 and 3.55 rear end, I could pull an 8,000 lb trailer all over BC and through the mountains in general, without any problems. I drive to keep the temperatures at a reasonable level - and, often have to slow down and use the 2nd gear to keep temperatures acceptable.
All the other things mentioned, could contribute to over heating - bad injectors, timing, fan clutch, water pump, old coolant etc. One thing you should be certain of and that is that your radiator hoses are in good condition - might be well worth while replacing both of them with new ones.
KISS principle works well. Check your rad tubes first. Replace the engine coolant and flush out the engine properly until you know the old stuff is completely out.
There should be a small improvement with everything you do - but a big improvement when the right problem is fixed.
Good luck and let us know how you made out.
mariner
