View Full Version : 1996 ford f-150 overheating
dpadenmwd
Jul 11, 2009, 05:29 PM
When driving around town without the a/c in 95-100 deg weather, temp. gauge is normal. If a/c is running temp runs hot. I have changed the fan clutch, water, pump, t-stat, and radiator flushed professionally, but truck continues to run hot when a/c is on.
TxGreaseMonkey
Jul 11, 2009, 05:49 PM
Likely, you need to replace the radiator, or have it rodded, due to phosphate scale buildup. Only use a 50/50 mixture of manufacturer-recommended antifreeze and distilled water, in the future. An IR thermometer may show relative cold spots in the radiator.
RickMN
Jul 11, 2009, 07:48 PM
We'll have to assume you did the obvious radiator fin cleaning on both the radiator and the condenser, right?
If so, then there are only two things left--the radiator and the baffles/shrouds around the radiator. Believe it or not, if the baffles or shrouds are missing, broken, or out of place, it can REALLY affect airflow through the radiator.
TX makes a really good recommendation with the infra-red themometer. You can pick them up cheap (around $30 for a good one). Then point it at several places along the water route and the radiator. It will immediately show you the spots that aren't cooling properly.