1999 Ford Explorer Voltage/starting

ADAMCLEV

MEMBER
1999 FORD EXPLORER
4.0L
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
144,000 MILES

Hi I have. 1999 Ford Explorer limited with a 4.0 soho. I live in central network where it's been in the single digits. My truck is having a very hard time starting I either have to turn the ign in and off a few times or jump start it. Also when the heat is on when ever I come to a stop and go there is a HORRIBLY LOUD squeal that brings the voltage way down and doesn't stop until Iet off the gas and turn the fan off. Then the voltage goes back up. I've had the battery and alternator checked on a maching at advance auto and it read a little low but nothing that would cause the issues they said. Also the temperature gauge never reads above 1/4 of the way up summer or winter. Anybody experienced this? If so I would love some feedback. Before I start changing a bunch of things (water pump, alternator, belt)

Thanks
Adam

3 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

For alternator charging problem try replacing belt lAND tensioner recommended at 60k for other make sure coolant level is full if not fill it up and have it pressure checked by a pro fo rhead gasket leak.

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Thursday, February 26th, 2015 AT 5:35 AM

ADAMCLEV

MEMBER
30 POSTS

Thank you for your response seems the voltage issue is the least of my problems now. Yes I went to pep boys to have my coolant system flushes and they wouldn't touch it due to the antifreeze looking like "chocolate milk", and said possibly have a blown head gasket which I don't see very likely because the oil is always clean not "milky" when I change it and the engine temperature never reads even 1/2 way between L&H it's always barely above low. The only physical issue is the extremely loud screech and the voltage dropping way down to nothing I'd I go from stop to go with my heat on, but that stops as soon as I turn my heat off and back on once I reach about 10-15 mph. From my very uneducated auto repair knowledge a bad head gasket or cracked head ALWAYS leads to over heating. Am I wrong here? Should I flush the system myself? I bout some head gasket and block repair but I won't be able to use it because I have to allow the initial flush dry for 12 hours which won't happen in 0-10 degree weather. So I was thinking maybe just wasting a bunch of antifreeze and flushing it a few times myself. Could I cause more damage? I mean my explorer is absolutely immaculate inside and out. IDK WHAT TO DO HELP ME please.

Thank you
Adam

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Sunday, March 1st, 2015 AT 5:19 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

A blown head gasket can mix with oil or coolant and not cause overheating. As oil passages to lube valve train go through block and can blow there. Have the coolant system pressurized if it goes down then it's probably a head or intake gasket but most likely head.

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Monday, March 2nd, 2015 AT 7:37 AM