1997 XLT Overheating

[mmyatt]

Hi Folks,

My Explorer overheats after about 3 miles. At first I thought it was @ 70+ mph, but today did a test drive thur the streets over the same route I took on the highway, and it overheated at about the same mileage point. On Highway/street if I slow up a bit it immediately cools to near normal.. By the way, this happens only after car has rested for a long while. Because I was able to drive back the same route at normal temps.

It also overheated going up the mountain. Back to normal as soon as I crested.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if a metal or a fluid is really hot, how can it cool that quickly?

Sunday, the gauge was pass the H by the time I hit the exit (about a mile). By time I got to the gas station (on corner of exit) the gauge registered normal.

I stayed home today to see if I can get this fixed. The mechanic is gonna look at it tomorrow. I spoke with him and he said the problem was strange.


Please Help!

Muriel

P.S. I checked all fluids. They're OK

 

[Blee1099]

You probably have a bad thermostat or you could be low on antifreeze.. Most times its either of the two..

 

[IgotTwo]

two words - "thermostat"

 

[X~FACTOR]

two words - "thermostat"

At least he got one right.

 

[IgotTwo]

Hey! What's this - I got one right stuff! hahaha
(that line is always an attenion getter....tests if people are listening)

I do not like to make more work for everyone but:
I have found swapping out the thermostat is good preventive maintenance.
I have heard too many stories of head gaskets going after overheating problems.

 

[Splorer Man]

overheating

this was my overheating problem :fire:

 

[marragtop]

Nice picture, but I'd start with the thermostat.