Hey, I have a 2004 f150 with the 4.6l lately now that's it's cold I've been having an issue with my cooling system, it's been below 0 and teens here in Ohio and I'll run my truck it will get to normal Operating range which is half way then it will cool down a little to a little below the half way point and once I get to work the gauge will fall to 1/4 on the gauge and the air will begin to get cold from the heater, I've added anti freeze to the res. Tank and it hasn't gone down any but when the truck is running ill squeeze the hose and it will be squishy and dosnt feel like there is pressure. I don't know what to think, if there Is an issue with the rad. Filling with anti freeze, a sticking thermostat, or hopefully not a dead water pump what do you guys say?

 

Thermostat.

 

Yep. I agree. I had a Ranger that did the exact same thing 10+ years ago. Thermostat fixed it.

Guess it was getting stuck open.

 

It's easy to get at, also.
Easier than a 09 f450 diesel anyways. Just did them last week. Even with an EGR delete, it wasn't the nicest job.

 

Just make sure you put the specified temp back in it... Don't go all all crazy and think you need to make it run hotter or colder cause it will drive your ECU nuts and send your fuel econ in the the dumpster.

 

You need to get the air out of the system . Don't go more than 50 percent anti freeze it needs the water to do its job , But use wally world distilled water its cheap .

 

The air will bleed itself out of the degas tank. Just keep it at the safe level, and make sure to check it often, until it bleeds all the air out.

 

This.




My truck was doing the same thing when I bought it used 4 years ago. Eventually it started throwing a code, because the engine wasn't getting up to operating temperature.