2000 4.0 SOHC overheat?

[Cncbrody2000]

Hello this is my 2nd post since getting the car about 1 year ago. So it really just happens on summer days maybe once in a blue moon in the winter. So I have AC on about 3/4 of way and engine will idle fine. I have a coolant gauge that reads temp that’s aftermarket... So on this gauges idle at about 180 then about 15 mins go by and coolant slowly rises as that does the rpm rises also in little incriminants like 600 to 650 then so on and after awhile I get all the way up to 1100. Then the engine will slowly overheat. But now for having the car I notice when it starts to do that just rev the truck to 2k and release then the rpm will fall to idl again however coolant keeps rising. To rises to like 215. So here’s my question sorry for long explanation just wanted some background for y’all to understand. So does my engine Just runs hot and try some stuff at autozone or do I have some repairs to do? Thanks for any info.

 

[C420sailor]

The SOHC should not overheat. Ever. This is not normal. It is rare that mine ever ticks above 182°F, even in traffic.

Check the usual suspects. Pressure test the system and cap, test/replace the thermostat, make sure the fan clutch works. If it’s due, flush and fill the system. How often do you flush/replace coolant? If the answer is almost never, that radiator may be nasty inside. Also check the radiator externally for obstructions.

 

[Cncbrody2000]

The SOHC should not overheat. Ever. This is not normal. It is rare that mine ever ticks above 182°F, even in traffic.

Check the usual suspects. Pressure test the system and cap, test/replace the thermostat, make sure the fan clutch works. If it’s due, flush and fill the system.

I just change the thermostat thinking this problem would solve it. Along with a coolant change. How can I tell if clutch fan is working?