tkespo25

Hi Everyone, First post on here.

I have a 1997 F-150 XLT Flareside 4.6L V8 4x4. 86,000 Miles

Recently I had my engine overheat due to a fan failing. The engine went into 4 cyl operation before I realized, and immediately stopped the truck. I let the truck sit for 30 minutes and started it back up, no problem. I had a check engine light that had a P code I honestly cannot remember, It was P12XX something i think (I know that doesn't help much) I did not react as the truck was running well and had it reset. As I drove the truck more, it seemed to have a jumpy accelerator, stepping on the pedal even the slightest bit causes a pretty heavy and loud acceleration, and it seems to be shifting funny when accelerating in general. It's subtle but I know it's there. I can't see how a jumpy engine has anything to do with it overheating, which has happened a time or two before, but I can't really pin the problem to anything else.

This truck is my baby and I would like to fix it. Anyone have any ideas on what this could be? I appreciate any help y'all could offer.

-Tom

Jbrew

If it's loosing compression from a warped head, I can see it acting that way.

P0125 Insufficient Coolant Temperature For Closed Loop Fuel Control , maybe ? That can happen when coolant is low as well.

Sounds like it actually over heated vs a bad ECT or CHT sensor which can occur vs actual over heating.

Did it over heat for sure ? I can tell you right now, these engines definitely do not suffer heat well. Heads will warp right quick.

mbb

Overheated.
"a" fan failing??
How many fans you have?

Overheated a "time or two before?"

Really now. How would that occur??
Ever pinpoint cause?

Are you sure"a" fan failed?????

Not sure about your symptom
But overheating no bueno.

Just once can smoke your engine. Not to be taken lightly.
you have to find the root cause and ensure it doesn't happen again if it does.

tkespo25

Thanks for replying,

Definitely not low on coolant. I have a performance fan cooling from the front grill. To be honest, I haven't been able to prove it has actually overheated. It was all the way at the H and it went back to normal in less than 10 minutes. Seems quick. Maybe a faulty gauge or a Throttle Position Sensor failing from the heat? If it was a cylinder warp, wouldn't that weaken engine performance?

tkespo25

Also, it has overheated a time or two before and the thermostat was replaced. It tends to happen when its at idle or slow speeds in traffic. It goes from perfect to the H in less than 10 seconds. Seems quick again. Once it gets moving again no problem at all. More air intake I assume but is the sensor or gauge reacting to a slight temp increase and thinking its overheating?

mbb

Hows your coolant level?
Fluctuate? Rock steady?

tkespo25

Steady. Obviously it goes up in the reservoir when hot but its always at the same point when cool. Never have had to add any large amount, and it was recently flushed within the last 6 months.

DarrinT04

any signs of the water pump failing?

mbb

Up how much?
1/4"? Or 2"?
Because without air in system, its about 1/4 is all change you should see.

Air can get in from leaks when cold, and on some vehicles get trapped.

And of course a blown head gasket pumps air in. Usually with misfire, but not always

tkespo25

It goes up slightly, 1/4 or so normally. Its only more than that if it "overheats" as I see the coolant boiling at the top of the reservoir. And water pump was replaced less than a year ago. I appreciate y'all's help so far.