Overheating problem when towing camper

DREADED1

MEMBER
1997 FORD F-150
175,000 MILES

I have a 1997 F150 with a 4.2L engine. I just bought a camper trailer that weighs 4,500lbs dry. When I pull the trailer(with overdrive turned off) my engine temp begins to rise. I have to regulate the temperature by turning on the heat to draw heat off of the engine. I have had the cooling system and engine flushed and have put Lucas transmission fix int the trans but I continue to have the same problem. I want to be able to pull the trailer without having to regulate with the heater and be able to run the A/C. Do you have any suggestions? Would you recomend a heavy duty transmission? I need some suggestions.

9 Replies

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

YOUR RADIATOR MAY HAVE DEPOSITS (RATHER CRAP) BUILD UP IN THE PASSAGES.......A TAKE APART AND ROD IT OR VAT IT (OR A COMBINATION)...THIS MAY GET THE REST, FLUSHES SOMETIMES JUST WON'T CUT THRU IT

NEW RADIATOR....MAYBE WITH MORE ROWS

I'M GONNA BECOME YOUR BESTUS BUDDY AT 2CARPROS

I WANT YOU TO GO TO THIS POST AND READ "SEPTEMBER 3RD" MY ANSWER STARTS OUT "VERY GOOD"----THE BOTTOM HALF MAY INTEREST YOU A LOT

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1977-jeep-cj7-front-wheel-wont-into-4-low

RETURN WITH GOOD TIDINGS!

THE MEDIC

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Tuesday, September 4th, 2012 AT 3:11 AM

DREADED1

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4 POSTS

I'll look into a new radiator. The one in the truck is the original so that may very well be the case. I forgot to mention that the truck temp is fine when not towing. Does that make any difference? Thanks!

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Tuesday, September 4th, 2012 AT 4:10 AM

CJ MEDEVAC

MECHANIC
11,004 POSTS

AN ADD-ON TRANNY COOLER MAY HELP THE TRANNY LIFE AS WELL AS "AID" THE ENGINE

MORE ROWS IN A RADIATOR (MAKE SURE YOU ACTUALLY ARE GETTING MORE), A GOOD CORRECT THERMOSTAT, AND A GOOD CLUTCH FAN WILL HELP OUT!

YOU ARE ASKING A LOT FROM THE 6, YOU'RE PULLIN' MORE THAN THE TRUCK'S WEIGHT. OWNERS MANUAL SAY ANYTHING ABOUT LIMITATIONS?

WALKING UP A HILL MAY BE NORMAL FOR YOU---PULLING THE SAME HILL WITH A "RADIO FLYER" FULL OF MUNCHKINS, WILL PROBABLY MAKE YOU SWEAT!

I'D REALLY BE CONCERNED WITH BRAKING AND STEERING TOO, DOES THE TRAILER HAVE IT'S OWN BRAKES?

DID YOU UNDERSTAND THE PROMO THING. IT REALLY HAS HELPED ME AND MY PALS!

THE MEDIC

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Tuesday, September 4th, 2012 AT 10:58 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

A new radiator might not be the answer. Vehicles mostly do not overheat under normal use but when towing, or high engine rpms at lower speed can result in heat accumulation as the cooling system is not able to cope. A higher cooling efficiency is required and if possible, you should be lookiing for a heavier duty radiator with a higher cooling efficiency.

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Tuesday, September 4th, 2012 AT 1:22 PM

DREADED1

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4 POSTS

To: KHLow2008. You are right a new radiator might not be the answer none the less a heavier duty radiator with a higher cooling efficiency would mean replacing the radiator. Hence a new radiator. I am also going to install a cooling radiator for the transmission.

To CJ Medevac: Yes perhaps I am asking a lot from the 15 year old 4.2L V6 and yes the trailer does weigh more than the truck however I have done some checking of the specs online. Apparently the 4.2L V6 with the 3.08 rear end was suposed to be Ford's answer to Chevy ad Dodge for towng. This truck was made to tow. According to the specs the 4.2L with the 3.08 gear ratio has a max tow weight of 5,600lbs. So I am probably going to install a high cooling efficiency radiator. A transmission cooling radiator and a new thermostat. What do you think?