DrillRig52

Recently I've noticed the truck is getting hotter than normal. It happens when climbing a long steep 6% or more grade in 3rd gear between 55-65 mph. The outside temp is between 95 and 110 degrees and I am running the A/C. Now, I have always done it this way and I've never seen the needle move in the 5 years I've had the truck. The needle doesn't go into the red, there is still a pretty good gap before it gets there but it's enough to make me uncomfortable.

The truck is a 2000 5.4 extended cab with 204k miles.

As far as I know the radiator is factory.
I had the coolant flushed at some point but it's probably been a few years.
I'm sure the thermostat and water pump are factory as well.
This truck has spent it's life in Arizona and New Mexico so it's not a stranger to this dry heat. I'm thinking it's probably warn out blades on the water pump, but that's just my uneducated guess. Looking for some forum gurus on this one for ideas before I go throwing parts at it.

Fordfan2006

spray water from the Hose in the condenser and all the coolers and see how much dirt comes out. That might help.

DrillRig52

I actually make a point to do that every time I pressure wash it, which is pretty regular. Maybe I'll try taking a little more time doing it and see if that helps. Thanks!

mbb

Make sure coolant is full
Replace thermostat

white89gt

How much hotter is it getting? When it's been in the upper 90's here, my truck is getting as high as 198 degrees. In the winter, it stays right on 194 nearly all the time. It's supposed to hit 100 tomorrow... I'll have to watch it again.

Jbrew

Thinking the same, yea, you don't want these getting hot. If the pump hasn't been looked at in a good long while, I'd just swap it out and change the stat for good measure. Very good with keeping an eye on it, - may of just saved yourself an engine.

DrillRig52

Ya, at 200k I think it's safe to just go ahead and replace the water pump and t-stat, flush coolant and get it over with.

DrillRig52

I'm not sure on the exact number, all I had was the dummy gauge to look at. The needle climbed I would say within a eighth of an inch to the red.

00lariatranch

I replaced all the stuff you are looking to replace a couple summers ago. My cylinder head temp reading on my Edge would climb over 210 regularly. After the change, it stays between 200 and 210 mainly unless I'm going up a grade like you mentioned. It'll approach 220 but immediately drop at the top of the grade.

grizzstang

Your rad could be done too. It could be rusted/clogged up on the inside.


Have a look at the cooling fins and gently run your finger across them, if they collapse or break off your rad is worn out.