Overheating Quadry

[Megan8607]

I have a 91 Ford Explorer. The temperature gague (as I'm sure you ALL know) goes C then a gap then NORMAL then H. In the past, no matter how hot the weather has been or the traffic, the gague has never gone above the N of normal. This summer, It has started to get VERY warm. All the way up inbetween the A and L of normal. I NEVER run my A/C, and I am now having to drive with the heater on full blast to avoid the car overheating. I have chagned the thermostat, I have changed the spark plugs, oil, ect. I've even checked the fan clutch, all of which is fine. What's next?!!?!?The water pump!?Should I even worry about this since it's just going to the NORMAL section of the gague?!?!?!!? Please help! :frustrate I can't afford to keep fixing things that aren't the problem!

 

[Bronco638]

Boy, it seems like you covered all of the obvious things. Does it puke coolant? If so, this might indicate a leaking or blown head gasket. Check to make sure the radiator isn't clogged so airflow isn't obstructed. ALso, the interior of the radiator my be clogged thus limiting the flow of coolant and causing the heat to build-up. I cannot think of anything else but I'd be surprised if another Forum member didn't chip in their $0.02.

Good Luck - Dave.

 

[Megan8607]

How?

How do you check for a "leaky" gasket? (I'm sorry, I'm quite new at this, I'm the first girl in my family to start working on cars!)

 

[MrShorty]

Best check for a bad head gasket would a leak down check. Usually, a bad head gasket will also allow coolant/water into the oil. Any sign of coolant in the engine oil? Any "snot" around the oil fill cap?
However, that's not a common failure mode for this engine. I would suggest a full cooling system flush, followed by a flow test of the radiator. As mentioned, clean out any leaves/dirt/bugs/etc that has collected in your condensor and radiator and in between the two.

 

[Megan8607]

Thanks! You know, I did do the "bubble" test to see if anything bubbled up when I cut the engine, and no bubbles, so I'm guessing there's no coolant in my oil. I don't think...........

I'll take it down to the car wash today and hose off my radiator..... :fire:

those Jettas are looking mighty good right now.

I'm also loosing power. Any suggestions?

 

[prozachappy]

try replacing your rad cap. rad caps get old, the seals rot, does not hold correct pressure, and so on. this can cause your temp gauge to flux! you can get a new cap at any auto store...just make sure it's rated at 16psi.

 

[mabulok]

You've done just about everything I would've. A couple other things to check: drivebelt...could be slipping, the fan clutch, and the water pump. My hats off to ya for working on your own car...my 12 year old daughter helps me with mine.

 

[dannychen]

How interesting, another member from Sacramento also with overheating problems. My '96 is having similar issues. I feel sorry for you though, it's been HOT and you're not using your A/C. Losing power and overheating could also indicate that your cat is getting clogged up. Is your check engine light on? I'm not sure of how to self check this otherwise. I would be worried, actually I am worried about mine but that's just me. Running through the checklist on the cooling system what's left is: water pump, clogged radiator, and radiator cap. Good luck.

 

[Megan8607]

yup, I actually replaced the fan belt. I've checked the cap, (it's pretty new anyway) The check engine light DOES NOT come on. I know it works though, I ran it out of gas for the first time about a month ago....it came on then!!!!!

I just don't know what to do. I'm beyond myself here......I guess it's time for a mechanic.

 

[prozachappy]

not the cap, try the temp sending unit. the dancing gauge is a very common problem with the first gen explorers. do a search for ' cycling temperature' or 'dancing gauge' lots of threads out there all about your problem. mine ran right below the 'N' for years then all of the sudden it started dancing. did this for months..i tried everything you can possibly think of to fix the problem! ended up being that little rubber plug that attaches to the top of your temp sending unit!!! also keep in mind that the older (more miles) your truck gets the hotter the engines gonna run. when my X was still under 100K miles...it always ran below the 'N' now that i'm pushin 175k it runs steady between the 'M' and the 'A'. different t-stats will also run at different temps. I change my t-stat and flush at least one a year...course i do the 21 hour trip between Dallas and San Diego 3 times a year! (note that on long trips the gauge always creeps up to the 'L'). anyways depending on the avail. brand of t-stat i use, my needle will sit on different letters of 'NORMAL'. honestly, you could chase this problem for awhile...like i said check the posts, many of us have had the gauge problem. Ford engines can run alittle hotter than others (exp. the older it gets). As long is it stays in the ' [ NORMAL ] ' and doesn't cross that 'H' mark..then your good.

 

[ammo troop]

I had a very similiar problem, only it was not limited to the temp guage, Have you verified it is indeed getting hotter? my problem was the voltage regulator, the temp guage would move up, the oil pressure and fuel guage as well....something else to check