Inconsistent overheating issues - Engine Troubleshooting


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Inconsistent overheating issues

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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Engine Troubleshooting

brokenhammer
New User

Apr 11, 2011, 11:42 PM

Post #1 of 3 (2378 views)

Inconsistent overheating issues	Sign In

I have a 94 Ford Econoline (15 passenger) van.
After purchasing it a few months ago, I had the thermostat replaced because the engine temp was always very low and could barely heat the van at all - I had to wear gloves while driving in the winter.
A few months later, the van began to infrequently overheat on long trips on the highway. I commute 3.5 hours on the highway each way and make 3 trips a month in the van. The wierd thing is sometimes the van would overheat, and on some trips, there would be no problems. Recently, the issue has changed a little. Recently, when the van gets on the high end of the temp gauge, with the heater on to try and assist in bringing the temps down, the van will stop blowing out hot air and blow out air that hasn't been heated at all. The cycles go something like 45 seconds of super hot air, cold air/unheated air begins flowing (for 20-40 seconds) and while this happens, the temp on the engine will rise to the max. Then, the really hot air returns and then the temp will come down a little to within the acceptable range. This repeated over and over for a long time.
Any ideas? People keep suggesting the radiator..
thanks for any help!

zmame
Veteran / Moderator
zmame profile image

Apr 12, 2011, 4:23 AM

Post #2 of 3 (2366 views)

Re: Inconsistent overheating issues	Sign In

fluid level, flow issues(pump/restriction), faulty thermostat (always use Motorcraft thermostats NOTHING ELSE). I would check those things first.

techforfree
User

Apr 13, 2011, 9:38 AM

Post #3 of 3 (2355 views)

Re: Inconsistent overheating issues	Sign In

If you're not getting getting heat and its running hot its a pretty good chance its low on coolant..but.......are you sure the stat wasn't installed up side down (spring goes to the bottom) ? because this will cause exactly what you're discribing..Good luck

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