Please help - Problems cooling

[Shane91Explorer]

OK, my Explorer was just fine, but it wasn't getting hot - thus I had no heater that was worth mentioning. So I decide to replace the thermostat and fan clutch. And so it starts getting really hot for like 2 seconds, then it drops really fast. So, I figure I have a bum thermostat, and replace it again to get the exact same results. So then i figure it must not be getting water into the engone fast enough, meaning there was a blockage. So, I replace the radiator. Same damn thing. After all that, I figure the last damn thing it could be is the Water Pump. So after replacing that, it STILL gets hot for a couple seconds, then drops right after. I replaced the sending unit for the gauge, and it reads even hotter. I am at such a loss. I seriously doubt that it has a blown head gasket - it blows no smoke, nor does it leak. If anyone could possibly give me some more insight, I would love to hear it. It has 196,000 miles, so anything is possible. Thanks!!!

Shane

 

[mrboyle]

It sounds like you got two bum t-stats. Try replacing it with one from Ford. I have had problems with every brand of t-stat made, but for some reason the I have had very little problems with the Ford.

 

[Shane91Explorer]

the first thermostat was from ford. the more i think of it....what are the chances my fan clutch is a POS? anyone had a bad one right from the get go? how do you know if it's slipping too much? it doesn't make much noise however. thanks!

 

[BradE.]

Did you burp the cooling system after you filled it? The temp rising and falling could be air in the system.

 

[MyExpWork]

I had similar problems with my 91 with 161,000 miles. I changed the T-stat because it would not warm up. (t-stat stuck open) Then I changed the t-stat with a Stant T-stat from Autozone. Engine would get really really hot then drop to really really cold really fast. This went on for a while.

Then changed th a Jet T-stat from performance products.com. It cost like 20.00 bucks but when I took the old T-stat out I could feel that it was sticking in certain spots when I opened it with my hand. This was the cause of the fluctuating temps.

I have had zero problems with cooling now and all the other cooling components are original.

Brian

 

[TPLYNCH]

Are you sure you installed the thermostat with the weep hole at 12 oclock position?

 

[Shane91Explorer]

Yep, it's at 12 O'clock.