running hot under a load?
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
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running hot under a load?
I have a problem with a 1997 f-150 6 cyl. The temperature starts to run hot when driving up a hill or under a load, but runs cool under normal driving conditions. Could someone give me some advice on what this may be.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 6
From: Puyallup, WA
Welcome first of all.......
Hopefully, you'll get some more advice, but I'll start off by asking; are you sure it's really running hot when under load?? What I mean is are you relying on the stock temp gauge for this info??
This POS gauge is nothing more then an idiot light with a needle on it........
It's normal for the temp to rise 'some' when under load. Under normal situations, you'd never know looking at a stock gauge that is working properly, as it shows the same needle position from as low as 150* to over 220*. (again, when it's working properly.....)
I've got an electric Autometer Water temp gauge, and it'll rise to about 200*-205* when it's hot out and I'm under load..... My stock gauge is bone steady at the middle of the "range" during this same rise in temp....
You could have a "bad" sender for the stock gauge.
You could have a "bad" gauge (doubtfull, however...).
Your T'stat might not be opening all the way.
Your rad might be clogging up.
Your coolant could be 'worn out'.
Your head gasket(s) are blown.
I'd first do a coolant flush and replace the T'stat. This never hurts anyway and unless that's already been done, then it'll probably solve your problem....... If anything, just replace the T'stat and that'll probably solve your problem without much expense.
The next thing to check will be the "actual" temp of the coolant..... If it is really running "hot", it'll be over 210* and then you could have any of the above problems, but I doubt that......
Anyway, hope it's just the T'stat....
Good Luck!!
Hopefully, you'll get some more advice, but I'll start off by asking; are you sure it's really running hot when under load?? What I mean is are you relying on the stock temp gauge for this info??This POS gauge is nothing more then an idiot light with a needle on it........
It's normal for the temp to rise 'some' when under load. Under normal situations, you'd never know looking at a stock gauge that is working properly, as it shows the same needle position from as low as 150* to over 220*. (again, when it's working properly.....)
I've got an electric Autometer Water temp gauge, and it'll rise to about 200*-205* when it's hot out and I'm under load..... My stock gauge is bone steady at the middle of the "range" during this same rise in temp....
You could have a "bad" sender for the stock gauge.
You could have a "bad" gauge (doubtfull, however...).
Your T'stat might not be opening all the way.
Your rad might be clogging up.
Your coolant could be 'worn out'.
Your head gasket(s) are blown.
I'd first do a coolant flush and replace the T'stat. This never hurts anyway and unless that's already been done, then it'll probably solve your problem....... If anything, just replace the T'stat and that'll probably solve your problem without much expense.
The next thing to check will be the "actual" temp of the coolant..... If it is really running "hot", it'll be over 210* and then you could have any of the above problems, but I doubt that......
Anyway, hope it's just the T'stat....
Good Luck!!
Last edited by MitchF150; Sep 11, 2003 at 04:49 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Needville Texas
If I had to guess I would say you may have a partially clogged radiator. When your truck is hot try feeling the radiator from top to bottom. The temp should be the same, if the bottom is cooler than the top, you most likely have a clogged radiator.
