Since I've got you gurus in here I have a quick question. What actual temperature do these trucks run at? I recently added a Scangauge to my truck where I can monitor actual coolant and trans temps. Today was 97 degrees, and on my way home after work, coolant was creeping up on 220 under pretty easy conditions, and trans was getting a little above 190. Coolant temp gauge never moved off of its "stationary" position, but 220 and 190 seem a bit high.

 

Yes you are running too hot. I'll bet your radiator is clogged up, OR you have a single row radiator, not the dual core. If your engine doesn't have a bad head gasket, then the cooling system is to blame. Could also be a disintegrated water pump impeller. We pulled one out of a Mustang 4.6 and the damn impellers were almost completely gone. Electrolysis ate that pump up.

Too much heat will cause the head gaskets to come apart on these modulars. Do your best to keep the temps normal, and it will prolong the gaskets immensely. But you already know that, so I'm saying it for newbies and those without much experience. How's the Kiastang running?

About 2 months ago a guy in AZ, on this forum, had this very problem. He changed to a 2 row radiator, and his temps went back to about 195 constant. His was sand blasted by the driving down there. Yours could be the same way.

 

I do have the puny single row, couldn't believe how thin it was the first time I took the cover off. Amazing 2 row wasn't standard. Looks like I'll be replacing that soon. As far as the water pump, I replaced that a few months back when I had the intake mani replaced along with a Motorcraft thermostat. The radiator has to be factory, so it's due anyways. I tried to drain it with the pitcock a while back and the stupid plastic nut broke right off, luckily the threaded part stayed.

I started to get really nervous the other day when I was climbing a very long steep hill on the highway. Downshifted to 3rd, still couldn't maintain speed, almost at the top around 67 mph it kicked down to 2nd and wrapped the engine out after a long hard climb. Soon as I got to the top coolant was flying everywhere, I pulled over quick, but coolant still climbed to about 245. When I popped the hood the upper radiator hose had blown off the radiator connection with the clamp still intact. I reinstalled the hose and filled with water till I get a new hose and can replace the coolant.

 

About to throw down a bid on another home. FINGERS CROSSED.... I really want this one.

It has a heated garage, and tons of parking. LOL....

 

That sounds sweet! Good luck man!

 

You could have a bad fan clutch assy also. I'm still betting on the single row rad as you source of heat. Good luck buddy.

 

If it's what you want, I hope you guys get it. Good luck.

 

Yeah... I was looking at my neighbors single row rad. What a dinky little bugger those are. Mine seems HUGE in comparison.

 

Thank you, by the time I get done every single piece of the cooling system will have been replaced. Hey one more thing, I get guys telling me I need to be running the G-05 gold coolant. I've always had and added regular green when needed. What's your thoughts on that?

Just realized you asked about the kiastang LOL! That little car is great with all the new parts, I also put some ultra high performance general all seasons on it rated to 173 mph haha. Car runs and drives excellent. I can set the cruise at 85 and climb a 7% grade without losing speed and still averaging 27 mpg. I love that little POS.

 

Literally the same width as the one in my wife's kia, ridiculous. I should have gotten the Scangauge sooner, I don't even want to think about how many times I've had the trans over 200 degrees. Need to service it and add a 6.0 PSD cooler for sure.