Overheating problem; PLEASE HELP!!!

[My98xplorer]

My Explorer is overheating! I replaced the thermostat, checked the fan, check the fluids, adn checked the radiator for leaks. The only thing i can think of is the water pump. When a water pump goes out, does it normally make a weird noise? It overheated when i wass out tonight, so i left it at a chuuch and went back about 3 hours later. It started fine, then when i was almost home it started with that noise again, then when i was almost home, the Explorer just shut off. I pulled to the side of the road and let it sit for a couple minutes. After about 10 minutes, i started it again, and was able to drive it to the entry way of the neighborhood, where it died again but i was able to coast to the house. Does the Explorer have a safety device so that when it gets too hot it shuts down? any help would be appreciated.

 

[anthonytony]

overhaet

see if you have any play in the waterpump take a hold of the clutch fan and see if it move around.....

 

[Brain]

It could be the water pump (they usually start to whine as they go bad because the bearings start to freeze up), or it could be the coolant temperature sensor. There is a self-preservation mode that the computer falls into if the temp sensor gets too high. It is meant to keep you from destroying the engine by running it when it should be fixed (soccer-mom friendly). Does the Check Engine Light (CEL) come on? If so, what codes are being set? I think you can have them read and cleared for free at Checker or other auto parts stores.

 

[sh'maal]

Overheat suggestions

A trick that works on my 1991 Navajo is to pinch the upper radiator hose. There is a noticaeable difference in the amount of effort required to squeeze the hose when the thermostat opens. It doesn't guarantee correct flow but tells you when the thermostat opens and the pump is working.

My second last overheating problem was a cracked radiator fan. It would slip on the shaft. It would still turn, it just wouldn't blow the high volume of air. I don't know if yours is electric or not, but a previous thread suggests it's built the same as mine

Good Luck!