2000 SOHC overheating problem

[Tylerneu]

My 2000 explorer has been overheating for over a week now. I have flushed the radiator, changed the thermostat, cleaned the air system and put in a new air filter and cleaned the injectors and still nothing has fixed it. Please help me fix this overheating problem I have no idea what else to do

 

[swshawaii]

Losing coolant? If so, check the lower t-stat housing. Most common failure on the SOHC's cooling system. MANY threads.

http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/

 

[J_C]

Stupid question but are you sure you put the t-stat in right side up? However I'd guess you had the problem before and again after so that's probably not it.

You might consider replacing the coolant temperature sensor but check whether the fans are coming on when it overheats and there's pressure in the top radiator hose signaling that the t-stat is open and radiator cap is sealing as it should.

Are you losing coolant? Did you bleed the air out of the cooling system or put a tiny hole in the rim of the t-stat, or did it have a check valve built in the rim to do that?

 

[XLTrunner]

A few more specifics would be helpful. You don't mention anything about loss of coolant or engine running poorly, so can we assume those are not a problem? Are you sure it's truly overheating...and, not just a faulty gauge (just asking)? Is it overheating in stop 'n go traffic...or, highway driving? Everything stock on the truck?

Consider what components are relevant to engine cooling...radiator, radiator cap, hoses, thermostat, fan clutch, water pump, fan shroud (helps direct incoming air). This assumes no air entrapment, the engine is in good running condition, and there's no loss of coolant due to a bad head gasket, intake gasket, etc.

You were correct to try replacing the thermostat as that is probably the most common cause of overheating. Did you test the new one prior to installing? It's not all that unusual to get a bad one from the store. Flushing the radiator with a garden hose isn't a sure fire way to eliminate it as the problem. Hoses are newer and one isn't partially collapsing due to having become too soft? Water pump impellers can wear down and not be as efficient moving coolant. Fan clutch can be worn and not engage as needed. Just a few basics to consider.