Cooling Problems with '93 - Help!

[dollarlongnecks]

OK, here it goes...

'93 Explorer XLT - 4.0L V6 2WD - 220K Miles

The temperature normaly sits on the 'N' on the 'NORMAL' of the guage, even during the hot Oklahoma summers. Last week it started moving up to the 'A' and then back down to the 'N' over and over again as I was driving. I knew it had a very small radiator leak so I filled it up and assumed it would stop. It hasn't. It has continued to do so despite the cold weather.

First thing I thought was the Thermostat, so I changed it. No luck. The next day, a heater hose blew and sprayed coolant into the fan which sprayed it everywhere. I thought it was the radiator, so I changed it (it had a small leak anyway). I then found the hose, so I changed both heater hoses and the upper and lower hose. I've also changed the radiator cap, temp sender (for the guage), and the overfrow tank hose. Still happening, but nothing is leaking at least. While we had everything apart, we turned the fan and could hear the waterpump impellars gurgling, plus it doesn't leak or make any noise. So we're assuming it it working. The Fan and fan cluck were replaced this summer. I haven't grounded the wire to the guage yet, I'll do that tomorrow to rule out a bad guage.

What else could be going on? I'm totally lost and frustrated. Any Ideas would help...

 

[irtySanchez]

Only thing I can think of...

Did you install the thermostat properly? The little valve on the back of it should be facing the firewall.

 

[MyExpWork]

I replaced two thermostats with the same problem. 1st with a cheapo stant t-stat from Kragen, then another cheapo from Autozone. Both did the same thing. I finally bought a jet 180 degree t-stat from performanceproducts.com and the problem was solved. My radiator also leaks, not very much, but I did get two bum t-stats in a row.

Brian

 

[Bigcheck1]

i also just found ouit that i got 2 bum thermostats as well. cheap pieces of s&*t.

 

[BradE.]

I also got several crap thermostats in a row, I am now on my 3rd which finally works.

It's also possible you might have air in the system from all that work. Did you burp the system?

 

[dollarlongnecks]

Thanks for the posts guys.

I'll try another Thermostat, because I have no other clue. Also, I've tried to burp the sustem. I have a steep driveway, so I parked it, took off the cap and let it run until coolant started coming out. Is that right? There were a few bubbles, and I just topped it off as the came up.

Also, I've got a concurrent problem, but I not sure if they are related, the post is Dead Link Removed.

 

[dollarlongnecks]

Well, I fixed my other problem, and the two weren't related. Had a fouled and bridged plug.

I went to a ford dealership and got a Motorcraft Termostat, 3x the price of the Stant.

Still doing the same thing! Could it be the water pump? It's the only thing I haven't replaced...

 

[Chew_12]

I had pretty close to the same probably and did pretty much the same thing with replacing the thermo. Then i replaced my coolant, and that solved the problem.

 

[88vert]

Did you change the heater core?

 

[TPLYNCH]

Try replacing the radiator cap. As it gets older, it weakens and doesn't hold the pressure and your temp will fluctuate.

 

[TheRookie]

My 91 has been doing EXACTLY the same thing. I have NO rad leaks though. I am going for a coolant flush and a new t stat and rad cap. It is common practice to replace your cap whenever doing a t stat.

 

[dollarlongnecks]

Haven't changed the heater core. I didn't think it could be related. I still does it with the heater on or off.

I did change the rad cap, but with a cheap Stant. Maybe I'll run by Ford and get a factory replacement. Also, I'm going for a flush next week, probably.

I guess we'll see...