WHY is this engine overheating?(truck, not tractor)

[gemini5362]

This is just a question not advice. I am not sure what year the truck is or the engine. Does it have computer controlled ignition timeing. My 85 F350 Has electronic ignition but no computer to control it. I would see if my electronic ignition was tied into the computer before I worried about a new chip for it.

 

[geneP]

OTE=Jstpssng]Power level is great... wish my 2005 F150 could match it off the line!

I did finally figure out that the bottom half of the radiator is plugged, causing my initial problems. (Coolant from drain petcock is cool, when engine is hot)


The other issues mentioned above will have to be addressed to get this vehicle right; but now I can run it more than a mile from home and figure out if they'll be my problems, or those of somebody more proficient at repairs. (I.E., how many other problems must I face?)

Thanks again to everyone for the help.[/QUOTE]


You said earlier that the engine ran at 140 degrees without a thermostat, and now you say that the lower part of the radiator is cool when the engine is hot. These facts make me believe that there is a restriction involving the thermostat. The engine takes water from the bottom of the radiator and shouldn't be running hot if it is circulating cool water from the bottom. It must be trying to circulate or it wouldn't run cool without the thermostat. If it can't push hot water out the top it can't pull cooler water in from the bottom.

Take note of what the earlier posters said and check the thermostat operation and make sure it is installed correctly.