Cooling problem?

[canada_or_bust]

Had the radiator replaced on my 2006 Explorer XLT after the bottom hose blew off at the rad, I found a small leak at the bottom of the rad, previous owner had used plastic weld to hide it. Also found out that side shroud was broken, so had shroud and rad replaced.

When driving it today, loud noise around 2800 rpm which I suspect was the cooling fan going to high speed, also slight loss of power which I would suspect is down to the fan running at high speed.

The coolant gauge went to red and coolant warning lamp illuminated, if revs increased or decreased then lamp goes off and gauge will eventually return to normal. Sometimes it happened on kick down but not always. Sometimes gauge will rise slightly and fall back, sometimes go fully to red.

I suspect it was due to driving up a lot of hills in around 28 degree celsius ambient temps, but would appreciate some advice on this. Is it possible that the stat is sticking or maybe a head gasket leak?

I suspect that the noise of the fan and the movement of the gauge is normal due to the highish ambient temp and the fact that I was driving through the Canadian Rockies but would just like a second, third, fourth opinion.

I will take it for a drive tomorrow evening when it's a bit cooler outside and see what it's like then but obviously the first time this happens it is quite disconcerting.

Thanks in advance,

Kev

 

[jlsparky7]

Might need a new thermostat. How to vid in the link in my signature. Easy $15 fix.

 

[TOMANDPAT]

Or maybe the guy that replaced your radiator didn't properly "burp" the system and you've got air in there. Pull the cap and make sure your coolant level isn't low

Tom

 

[canada_or_bust]

Thanks for the responses.

Just had a quick look at it a short while ago, coolant level was down in the rad. Topped it up and went for a short drive to warm it up. Not the stat as the top hose is heating nicely when warm.

The initial problem was only when it was a hot day and driving through the mountains, plus when the revs were changed or kicked it down the temp gauge read correctly after the fan cut in to high speed to drop the temp.

Hopefully I've found the problem, the spigot on the expansion chamber (header tank) was blocked, so even when the rad cap opened, it wasn't able to release the pressure. I've now cleared the blockage and hopefully all will be well.

I do suspect that I may have a head gasket problem as the pressure must have released somewhere, plus there are no signs of any leaks to cause the coolant drop.

I will monitor the coolant level over the next few weeks and see if it drops again. Hopefully it was an air lock and blocked tank spigot, but knowing my luck I'll need a new head gasket.

Kev