Lately my '94 explorer has started running hot. Its ok on the road, but stop and go it almost pegs the temp gauge. Thermostats ok, clutch fan runs but not when it gets hot. What else should I look for?

thanks
pat

Hey guy where are you located in alabama? In near birmingham and would like to help you in diagnosing your problem. It sounds bad though I hate to say, how does your antifreeze in the radiator look? The way you descibe it you may have a cracked head, something that is very common on the 4.0. Even though your truck runs fine and it doesn't miss this still could be a problem, I hope Im wrong and its possible. I'm sure you've checked fluid levels by now? Low antifreeze could have the same effect due to the air running accross the engine at cruising speeds but not in stop and go traffic. How many miles do you have? Later guy, Doug904.

Hey, I live in Jasper, not too far from b'ham. Yeah, the antifreeze looks good, and its not using any. It has 140,000miles on it. You ever race at bama or steele?

pat

I've raced at bama alot last year but Im rebuilding my truck this year so I've only been there to watch. I live right down the street from you up there, in Forestdale off of hiway 78. I us to work for Jim Skinner Ford for 4years but now work at Alabama power as a mechanic for their fleet vehicles, which are mainly fords. I love the 4.0 and call myself pretty good at working on them. I'll email yyou my number and if ya wanna talk you can call me tomorrow after work. Usually after 5pm. later Doug904.

Originally posted by Pats-Edge
Thermostats ok, clutch fan runs but not when it gets hot. What else should I look for?

thanks
pat

Are you saying the fan clutch isn't locking up when it gets hot? If so, I would check that first. Mine sounds like an airplane taking off when the clutch locks up. With 140K on the clock, you might try flushing the radiator as well, and look for a hose that's collapsing. The lower hose can get soft and collapse. If you haven't replaced the water pump, it may be time to look into that. The vanes wear down and they won't move enough water. Also, how good is your anitfreeze? A 50-50 mix cools better than a weaker mixture or straight water.

The fan clutch locks up when you first start it up, but when it gets hot it wont lock up. My friend is having the same problem with his '91 4.0. I'll check the above,


thanks
pat

Definitely check the fan clutch then. If you run them and then shut if off for a while, they lock up and make a lot of noise. As you start running them and they cool down, they loosen a bit. If you're running along in slow traffic, it should lock up.

Originally posted by MazdaSOHC
Mine sounds like an airplane taking off when the clutch locks up.
Yeah, mine is so loud when I start it up, or after its been sitting a while...its kinda funny, whenever i start it up and try to show off my exhaust, the fan almost drowns out the exhaust.

Originally posted by MH20

Yeah, mine is so loud when I start it up, or after its been sitting a while...its kinda funny, whenever i start it up and try to show off my exhaust, the fan almost drowns out the exhaust.

Another good reason to put an electric fan on one. Not that they are super quiet, but they are much quieter than the stock fan when locked up. Imagine how much hp it takes to make all that noise. :)

i would have to say that it would be a head problem unless it has something to do with the fan for you i hope it is just the fan clutch. good luck

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