my truck runs like *** when its cool and takes forever to get up to running temp but once it does it runs fine but it starts to get hot after driving it for a while...any ideas, i think its that the t-stat is broken or nonexistent idk, but tried to take it out and its a pita... also, i dont think this has anything to do with the over heating problem but apparently my pass side exhaust manifold has a crack...comments would be appreciated, 88 5.0.

 

The engine taking forever to warm up is pointing to the missing or stuck open t-stat. As far as the overheating or getting hot we need to look elsewhere. While driving around town or slow types of driving the fan clutch lockes in to pull air across the radiator for cooling. Now on the open road, ram air from the vehicles speed provides this function. If overheats on the open road, the radiator is plugged internally so the coolant flow is obstructed. So question is, when does the engine overheat? Around town only, fan clutch. Both times, around town and open road, the radiator.

 

If it has a weak t-stat it will also run hot on hard accerlation and stay cool under light loads. Also if you don't have the fan shroud it can and will more then likely run hot when its not moving. Also even when you replace the t-stat and it still takes while to warm up it could be a dirty temp sensor.

It can be many things that can cause it to run hot and take awhile to warm up. I know this sounds obviously and more then likely a stupid question but hows the fluid level?

 

whats the easiest way to take out the tstat? i tried to get to it but the pass bolt is hard to get to. i was thinkin about getting efans for it and see if that causes it to run cooler and hard wire it in so it warms up faster when i have em off.

when i say it runs like ***, i mean it bucks and stutters but once its warm its fine... im at a loss, ive never had a vehicle thats done this to me before. most vehicles run better cold am i wrong?

 

Using a 1/4 drive ratchet set is the best, you will need a 1/2 flex socket (1/4 drive of course).

 

thanks bill... im thinking about just doin an engine swap to save me some headaches. just wondering tho, will this be a direct bolt on or what kind of mods will i have to do?

http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/pts/1324551104.html

 

You know that makes no sense... You can replace the hoses, t-stat, water pump, maybe even the rad for cheaper then getting a new engine. However their is nothign wrong with having a good backup engine.

 

well it was just an idea, i figured if i found a better running engine it would be a lot less of a pain in the *** than having to deal with all the bs this one has put me thru... although i will try to see if i can fix the one ive got, your right it would be cheaper and id probably make more power bc i was thinkin about throwin some headers on this piece to replace the cracked manifolds...

 

Take it easy! Fix your issues and get it running 100% then mod or will just run into issue after issue.

 

Changing engines is alot more difficult than replacing a t-stat. And you will still have a radiator issue to deal with.