Engine overheating!

Tiny
JREID1998
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,000 MILES
I have a '98 F-150 with a 4.6L Triton engine. Recently, I took it to the shop because I was experiencing overheating & blow-back of antifreeze. When driving, after starting cold engine, within 5-10 minutes into the drive the temp gauge pegs out for app. 10-20 secs. Then it goes back to normal. When I pulled over, there was massive amounts of antifreeze covering the driver's side tire-well, as well as under the hood. The 1st visit to the shop, they replaced the thermostat. Told me it was ready. I got about 7-10 miles from the shop and it did the same thing. They replaced the new thermostat with a FORD OEM one and still got the same results. Eventually, they discovered a blown head-gasket. Cylinder 6 spark-plug has some antifreeze on it. After, replacing the head-gasket, it's still doing the same thing. Almost like there's an air pocket in the system somewhere. Any ideas?
Friday, February 14th, 2014 AT 12:33 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It almost sounds like a blockage try removing lower rad hose draining coolant and replacing cap has it been checked for the h other head gasket leaking?

This guide can help us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Saturday, February 15th, 2014 AT 6:27 AM
Tiny
JREID1998
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes, when it originally went in, they replaced the thermostat and the radiator cap. Also, ran a pressure test which came back okay. I'm not sure if they checked the other head gasket. That's a good question. Is it possible the water-pump is bad, or starting to go bad?
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Monday, February 17th, 2014 AT 7:09 AM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
A water pump just pumps water and does't do that it is either the system is getting to much pressure from a compression leak or there is a blockage in system. Least that is what it sounds like to me.
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Monday, February 17th, 2014 AT 7:14 AM
Tiny
PAPPY2015
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hi Sir! I have 1998 Ford F-150 4.6 I used the guide to find the radiator was plugged up from animal hair and road debris I had to use the hose to clean it.
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Tuesday, November 10th, 2015 AT 3:53 AM
Tiny
BOOKEM40
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 FORD F-150
Engine problem
1998 Ford F150 V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 155k miles

My truck has begun to over heat on me sparratically. I have replaced the overflow tank cap, the overflow tank, and the thermostat. I have even put some stop leak pellets in it at a mechanics suggestion. I am also noticing I am getting a lot of compression in my radiator hose. When my truck overheats, I can watch the temp gauge needle go from cool to hot real quick. When I overheat, I stop the truck and reieve the pressure from the sytem and the I'm good to go again. Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated.
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 11:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
98RANGERXLT
  • MECHANIC
  • 301 POSTS
Change cooolant and replace thermastat.
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 11:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BOOKEM40
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks for the reply Fordman, but I've already done that 3 times. Anything further?
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 11:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DILLYWILL82
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 200,000 MILES
I had the engine rebuilt in my 1998 v6 4.2l f150 4months ago, hower I didnt drive it fully until a month ago, now after about 20 or so miles the temp goes up and coolant suck into engine fast from resevoir, no visible leaks, drives fine otherwise when cool.
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 11:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Double check to make sure there are no air pockets in the system. Also, make sure the coolant level is full. If all looks good there, replace the thermostat. If may be sticking and opening all at once.
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 11:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JAMESEANDRADE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 FORD F-150
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
My boyfriend has a 1998 ford f150 XLT extended cab 4x4. I put oil in the other day while driving it and noticed a white creamy foam where the oil went in. There is no other problems with the vehicle as far as over heating or using coolant. The truck has 178,000 miles, can any one tell us what the problem might be? How much it might cost to fix? If we can do this our selves where is a reliable place to receive the parts from?
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 11:07 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,386 POSTS
Sounds like it has a little pinhole leak in the head gasket.

Fill up the radiator and keep the cap off on the radiator and keep burping it till it holds no more, then start it.

And let it warm, keep looking the hole time for little bubbles to appear, they should appear when the engine is cold or hot, depends so wait for the thermostat to open, upper radiator hose becomes hot and presureized.

Then keep your eye for bubbles, if theres lots of bubbles then the headgasket is bad or the head is cracked/warped.

Any autopart store will sell a headgasket kit, try napa, pep boys, autozone.
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Saturday, May 2nd, 2020 AT 11:07 AM (Merged)

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