Over heating issue

[Kenny Hunnicutt]

Im not sure whats causing my 04 Trac to do this but while Im sitting at a red light or parked with the engine running, the Trac starts to over heat. It happens very quick but as soon as I rev it to 2000 rpms tthe temp drop back down. Ive been told it could be the fan clutch but wanted to check with the pros first. Thanks, Kenny

 

[scott degroot]

Your coolant level is low

 

[Kenny Hunnicutt]

I checked that a couple for weeks ago when this all started but Im going to do it again!! Thanks l1tech

 

[Ed Fenwick]

'sounds like t fan clutch. You should see a difference if you spin the fan (not running) when the engine is cold vrs engine hot. The clutch is supposed to engage more as the temperature around it increases.

Ed

 

[Phil Frady]

Check the radiator(when its cool). Some people will look at the overflow tank and see there is "Green Stuff" in it, come to find out the radiator is half empty.

 

[scott degroot]

Even if the fan clutch were totally freewheeling it would more than likely spin somewhat to draw air in. The fact that it overheats quick makes me believe that it isn't airflow related. Typically a cooling system that is low will overheat quick at idle but seem to cool down quick once the rpms are brought up. Try taking a small rag and holding it in front of the radiator with the engine running, the rag should get sucked in which would indicate that the fan is pulling air through the radiator.

 

[EddieS'04]

I recently changed my t-stat. When I tested the old one. The pot of water was boiling 212f.

It only opened up about 3/16". It was stamped 192f. It didnt start opening at all till 200f.

I was seeing idling temps @ 217 @ 100 ambient.

All is well now.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

As noted above, the clutch fan is an easy test.



It should not free spin if you spin it with your hand. It should have resistance and it will be fairly good resistance. If it does not free spins and stop almost instantly when you tree to spin it, then the clutch fan is good.



Also as noted above. Check the fluid level within the radiator, it is very common to have fluid in the tank but still have the radiator low on fluid.



There is a chance the radiator is plugged or partially plugged. To test this, drive the Trac until it is up to temp. Park it and remove the keys to prevent any accidents. Reach your hand into the radiator area and place your flat hand against the radiator. Slide your hand all around the face of the radiator. It should be fair hot all over the radiator. If you come across cold areas (and they will be noticeably cold, not just a bit cooler) then the radiator is plugged.



Eddie mentioned an issue that is somewhat common with the Trac. If the T-stat does not open enough, the restricted flow will cause an over-heat issue at idle. If you check the things I mentioned above and they are all good to go, then I would change the T-stat. I would just do it last as it is the most labor intrusive compared the rest of the list.