thermostat

Turtle · #1 05-31-2010, 06:04 PM

i was driving to the beach today and noticed my truck was running a little hot, but when i was driving at a steady speed it would cool down if i slowed down the temp needle would shoot up. im thinking it is the thermostat, am i right?

modelageek · #2 05-31-2010, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turtle

i was driving to the beach today and noticed my truck was running a little hot, but when i was driving at a steady speed it would cool down if i slowed down the temp needle would shoot up. im thinking it is the thermostat, am i right?

it helps to have details about the truck, t-stat could be your issue..... or it could be low coolant level, bad radiator, bad waterpump.

look for leaks around the waterpump

FireRanger · #3 05-31-2010, 06:21 PM

I don't think it's the thermostat. Symptoms are wrong. Sounds more like a [any other cooling system component]. Do the obvious things like coolant level and looking for leaks. Report results.

Turtle · #4 05-31-2010, 06:37 PM

no leaks of anysort, had it sitting out for about 2 hours, the overflow coolant is good and radiator is full as well

timay4337 · #5 05-31-2010, 06:41 PM

it heats up more when you slow down because there is no air getting through the radiator.. check your fluid levels and whether it is clear

FireRanger · #6 05-31-2010, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timay4337

it heats up more when you slow down because there is no air getting through the radiator.. check your fluid levels and whether it is clear

Uh, yeah there is. That big spinning thing on the front of the engine is not a decoration....

Anyway, back to the problem at hand: Two things are happening when you are moving that is different than sitting still. One, forced ram air going through the radiator. Two, water pump and fan spin faster. Since you're fluid level is fine, it is narrowed down to these things.

Now that I say that out loud to myself, I think you might have a fan clutch problem. The fan clutch heats up and spins faster. If the clutch is shot, the fan will not spin fast enough to do jack at idle. It will just free wheel. Once you're moving, you have ram air cooling. When the engine is hot, shut the truck off and see if you can spin the fan by hand. If it spins easily by hand, the clutch is toast.

Turtle · #7 05-31-2010, 06:51 PM

i didnt wanna say anthing about that ^^^^ thanks for doing so hah. thanks man, lemme go check that out

Turtle · #8 05-31-2010, 07:02 PM

i was on the highway when i noticed all this so i was doing about 65-75 to keep it cool but once i got into the city and had to slow down the whole beach idea went to hell and i had to turn back home.

timay4337 · #9 06-07-2010, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FireRanger

Uh, yeah there is. That big spinning thing on the front of the engine is not a decoration....

Anyway, back to the problem at hand: Two things are happening when you are moving that is different than sitting still. One, forced ram air going through the radiator. Two, water pump and fan spin faster. Since you're fluid level is fine, it is narrowed down to these things.

Now that I say that out loud to myself, I think you might have a fan clutch problem. The fan clutch heats up and spins faster. If the clutch is shot, the fan will not spin fast enough to do jack at idle. It will just free wheel. Once you're moving, you have ram air cooling. When the engine is hot, shut the truck off and see if you can spin the fan by hand. If it spins easily by hand, the clutch is toast.

oh is that what i meant