2000 XLS 2 Problems

[tcraigie]

Hi

I recently purchased a 2000 XLS 4.0 SOHC

It ran great for a couple weeks and now I am having the following issues

1- When starting it it usually takes two tries to start. First time it cranks and catches within 1-3 seconds and then stalls. When I start it again it starts and idles fine. If I wait for the relay to kick in for the pump it still repeats the problem. (It doesnt do this when it is warm)

2- Overheating after about ten minutes of driving (not during idle ever) If I run the heater on max it keeps the temp normal. It gets worse during highway high speeds. But never exceeds the H if the heater is maxed out. Once it starts to over heat the trans doesnt seem to shift as smooth.

I have added zmax trans treatment to the trans. I have flushed the coolant twice. I cant seem to find a leak. It blows good heat so the water pump seems fine.

Any ideas?

 

[Dono]

thermostat sticking closed?

Mo idea on the start issues

Welcome, btw. Im sure others will chime in on more sugestions.

 

[llamaking122]

When you say the water pump seems fine have you pulled it to look at the fins at all? It could be the fins have corroded. another thing to look at is what dono said and check maybe even replace the thermostat

 

[sport97]

For the heat, check fan blades, coolant level and replace the thermostat. You will blow that motor up if you let it overheat. Be careful.

 

[tcraigie]

I have checked fan blades, havent checked water pump but the coolant is moving. The rad hose are firm and i can feel the coolant moving in them. Will replace thermostat tonight.

No ideas on the starting issue?

 

[llamaking122]

Are you losing any coolant? hows the clutch fan (im not familiar with the set up on the 2000's)

 

[DoraThe_Explorer]

In reference to the starting problem, have you done a tune up yet? Plugs, wires, air + fuel filter etc? Have you checked your battery? Could it be a bad tank of gas, or has it been happening for a while now?

That's where I would start.