Guys, some help here...Engine temperature too hot

[jdante]

Today my Explorer's 1997 engine almost got fire...The temperature reached 80%, I lost power, the battery light turned on and the car stopped in the highway...

I have to wait almost 40 minutes to car gets life again...It happens twice...
Was in the day, almost 40º...When I drive back at night, the temperature was normal, almost cool and I drove 300km at night.
Someone had this same problem before?

At first I thought that was the alternator, but it was recharging normal...

I just don't know why the engine almost exploded.

 

[Gadget X]

Thermostat could be getting stuck. Good idea to replace it if you don't know how long it's been in there anyway. Good luck with it!