Overheating...

[Zach Lynch]

I have a 1994 explorer xlt..... it is having an overheating issue... I took the water pump off and it looks fine, wasn’t leaking at all.... took the thermostat housing off and it looks fine and it isn’t clogged.... I’m stumped right now, what could the issue b?

 

[Rick]

Is it showing that it's too hot on the gauge or is it actually puking water and steam?

 

[Term_14]

sounds like head gaskets cause thats what my X did to me it would get hot when it shifted in to overdrive and coolant would vanish no smoke out the rear nothing but if your head gaskets are fine replace you thermostat with a 80 degree one and put water wetter in there too

 

[BKennedy]

I would check the fan clutch and the radiator. The fan clutch might not be working and the radiator might be clogged. My 1994 got hotter than I would have liked for years. I recently replaced the radiator with a 3-core all aluminum Champion and now it never goes past the R in NORMAL. Prior to that I had replaced the fan clutch, the fan because it had cracks in it, the water pump, thermostat and all the hoses. Champion was my 3rd or 4th radiator.

 

[Zach Lynch]

Is it showing that it's too hot on the gauge or is it actually puking water and steam?

Sorry it took me so long to respond been busy... the gauge is in the middle and it is pouring out water and steam from the overflow tank.

 

[Zach Lynch]

sounds like head gaskets cause thats what my X did to me it would get hot when it shifted in to overdrive and coolant would vanish no smoke out the rear nothing but if your head gaskets are fine replace you thermostat with a 80 degree one and put water wetter in there too

I have heard my head gaskets might be bad

 

[Zach Lynch]

I would check the fan clutch and the radiator. The fan clutch might not be working and the radiator might be clogged. My 1994 got hotter than I would have liked for years. I recently replaced the radiator with a 3-core all aluminum Champion and now it never goes past the R in NORMAL. Prior to that I had replaced the fan clutch, the fan because it had cracks in it, the water pump, thermostat and all the hoses. Champion was my 3rd or 4th radiator.

The fan clutch seems fine, I have not been able to check my radiator yet.

 

[1st gen eddie]

I have a 1994 explorer xlt..... it is having an overheating issue... I took the water pump off and it looks fine, wasn’t leaking at all.... took the thermostat housing off and it looks fine and it isn’t clogged.... I’m stumped right now, what could the issue b?

Well Zach, it could be a few things. I believe I would definitely throw my thermostats in a pot of boiling water and c if it opens. Wouldn't run without one and I live in FL. The whole system could get hot without the thermostat to regulate. If you are sure there is no water in oil or coming out exhaust do to head problem. If your radiator cap is not holding correct pressure you will loose water over time and circulation will be slower. However, you seem like you have covered those bases. I would wait until it starts to rise. My guess is a collapsed radiator hose when it gets hot. Probably the bottom one. Also, if you have managed to make it run 1 tooth off on timing gears. Then incorrect timing will make it overheat. Good luck with it.

 

[Zach Lynch]

Well Zach, it could be a few things. I believe I would definitely throw my thermostats in a pot of boiling water and c if it opens. Wouldn't run without one and I live in FL. The whole system could get hot without the thermostat to regulate. If you are sure there is no water in oil or coming out exhaust do to head problem. If your radiator cap is not holding correct pressure you will loose water over time and circulation will be slower. However, you seem like you have covered those bases. I would wait until it starts to rise. My guess is a collapsed radiator hose when it gets hot. Probably the bottom one. Also, if you have managed to make it run 1 tooth off on timing gears. Then incorrect timing will make it overheat. Good luck with it.

Could it be overheating due to the fact I haven’t had a thermostat in it? I took it out to flush the system before it got really cold a couple months ago and I haven’t flushed it out since so I haven’t been able to put my new thermostat in.

 

[~X~]

You need a thermostat.

Without a thermostat you have constant, uncontrolled circulation. The water doesn't stay in the radiator long enough to be cooled.

 

[1st gen eddie]

Could it be overheating due to the fact I haven’t had a thermostat in it? I took it out to flush the system before it got really cold a couple months ago and I haven’t flushed it out since so I haven’t been able to put my new thermostat in.

It is possible. If the engine is sound and water pump good. Then just run through check list. Thermostat, radiator cap,collapsed radiator when heating up, and /or not knowing the history make sure the radiator has been repaired improperly and your not getting full water capacity. Ford's run cool stock. I know your close. I hope this helps.

 

[1st gen eddie]

It is possible. If the engine is sound and water pump good. Then just run through check list. Thermostat, radiator cap,collapsed radiator when heating up, and /or not knowing the history make sure the radiator has been repaired improperly and your not getting full water capacity. Ford's run cool stock. I know your close. I hope this helps.

Collapsed radiator hoses that is.

 

[Zach Lynch]

It is possible. If the engine is sound and water pump good. Then just run through check list. Thermostat, radiator cap,collapsed radiator when heating up, and /or not knowing the history make sure the radiator has been repaired improperly and your not getting full water capacity. Ford's run cool stock. I know your close. I hope this helps.

I’ll run through the list today! I will hopefully be putting the water pump back on today and getting my thermostat housing on to test a couple other things it could b!

 

[Zach Lynch]

I’ll run through the list today! I will hopefully be putting the water pump back on today and getting my thermostat housing on to test a couple other things it could b!

Update on my exploder, I got her running today I’m pretty sure it was just the clogged radiator, but did replace a few parts as I was putting back together, she is running though!