Cooling issues

[asharris1984]

So, my husband and I bought a 200 Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4. Really hating it right now. Our newest issue is that we were towing a boat and the engine started to overheat. We filled it with coolant/water, assuming it was low and had someone replace the thermostat, because we suspected that was an issue. It ran fine for a couple miles and then it started to get hot. It never actually got in the red, but it lingered at the top. Thinking it might be the overdrive, my husband turned it off. The pressure went back to normal for awhile, but then it started to climb back up and idle a little bit before the red. It didn't start this issue until we started towing the boat. We're baffled as to what the issue might be. Is it the water pump is out or just the fact that our vehicle isn't meant to pull that kind of weight. Any help is appreciated.

 

[rex450se]

How's your oil level? There are only so many components in the cooling system. You've ruled out the thermostat by replacing it. When he put water/coolant in it, how low was it? If it was really low, I'd say you have a leak somewhere, water pump, a hose, or radiator. If it wasn't low, and he just topped it off, I'd lean towards a head gasket with those symptoms. Is there anything else of note that could maybe help us diagnose it?

Victor

 

[Jeff532003]

Start with checking the oil and see it doesn't look like mud. If it does its a head or intake issue. Look at your exhaust pipe and check for excessive steam (white smoke). If its excessive give it a quick sniff and if it smells sweet your burning coolant. If it looks like oil and exhaust are good, have the system pressure tested and your radiator cap checked. If it drops pressure below recommend draw down you have a leak somewhere. Most likely head or intake again. This is a reverse of how they normally blow and it's allowing combustion gas into the cooling system but not coolant into the oil. If your cap fails replace it. Cooling systems operate under pressure to raise the boiling point. Bad cap doesn't allow it to reach that pressure and the coolant boils. Check your hoses and see if any are bulging. Heater core hoses as well. This could prove evidence of a clog somewhere.

Sorry I can't be more specific. With a general issue like overheating there's a ton of stuff to narrow down. Hopefully this will set you in the right direction. Wish you luck.

 

[mindgame]

Another thing to check is if your fan clutch or electric fan are kicking in..

 

[Lightnig]

Another thing to check is if your fan clutch or electric fan are kicking in..

^
|
| This, immediately after checking fluids again