2000 XLS Overheating

[4modlite]

Just bought a 2000 XLS with the OHV 4.0 and with a thermostat it will overheat but have no heat,without the thermostat it doesn't overheat but has heat.First Ford I've owned and only paid $200 for it.Update....pulled thermostat which is brand new,filled with water/at started up started running hot cracked rad cap and slowly loosened it got cap off after relieving pressure and it became a geyser.It does have 180,000 miles on it,could it be a bad water pump,clogged radiator or head gaskets? Any advice would be appreciated. Only paying $200 for it affords me some monies to put parts on but don't wanna play chase the problem.

 

[radman]

You must burp all the air out!

You must bleed the air from the cooling system. This is done by filling it and the surge tank properly and operating the engine to its normal temperature reading and then shut it off and allow it to cool completely down. Only then open the fill cap on the radiator and replenish the radiator and recovery tank to proper level. You may have to do this several times. Reinstall your thermostat.

There are many threads on this topic here, you might want to do a search for more info.
Mike

 

[4modlite]

OK Ill try it tomorrow. Im used to filling the upper hose first on Chevy Blazers and full-size trucks before filling rad or recovery bag but the upper hose on this isn't at top of rad like on other trucks its a lil ways from the top.It does miss a lil bit when it first starts so still gonna do a w/p and h/g job on it as it does have 180,000 miles on it.