Overheating on climbs

[Hankster]

Just got back from a recent trip into the mountains. Everything went well until suddenly, on a climb, the 'check engine' light came on and I noticed that the engine was overheating. The transmission temp seemed fine. Let it cool down, then I had a 5 mile grade that I took at 2000 RPMs at a speed of about 25mph and it did not overheat. Drove on the flat at 65mph and it did not overheat. It seems to occur at RPMs over 3000 while climbing. Any ideas? It's Saturday, Ford dealership opens Monday but I would like to be on the road if I can fix it.

[revrnd]

Did you have the AC on? The air blows thru the AC's condensor that is mounted in from of the radiator. This air is hot due to passing by the hot fins of the condensor. The hot air cannot pick up heat from the radiator fins, which can cause overheating.

An old trick (mind you uncomfortable) to reduce overheating, is to turn on your heater. The heater core is a small radiator & when the heater fan blows air thru the core, it can help lower the temp of the engine's coolant.

[NWJeeper]

Possible malfunctioning fan clutch (If so equipped) or bad thermal switch on the electric radiator fan (if so equipped), dirty or clogged radiator fins. Also may be bad water thermostat.

[jd-ford-hd]

What was the outside temp at the time? I am sure you have checked coolant level by now. By viewing your profile I see you own '07 G'town. Should not be giving problems already unless you have put a bunch of miles on it or maybe it has been sitting for 2 years..! One is as bad as the other as far as maintenance is concerned. Check the belt tensioner to be sure it is not stuck. Fan clutches are hard to check for correct operation. As the air passing through the radiator becomes hotter the "clutch" mechanism for the fan engages to let the fan draw more air through the radiator. Checking the clutch requires blowing hot air on a cool fan clutch to check engagement. Also worth noting, pure water cools more efficiently than anti-freeze. People who live in very cold climates have to use a stronger mix ratio for their coolant. There are those that prescribe to the "more is better" theory when changing coolant and will put a mixture in the radiator that is not capable of cooling efficiently in extreme heat conditions. Check for any kind of leaks that could be finding their way to your belt making it slip. Please post the results if you or the dealer find your problem as it will help us all.

[ravenmike]

check ford fan clutch..issues in the past

[Hankster]

Addendum. Took the motorhome over the north Cascade highway in Washington, left the heater on the whole time and it never overheated. Took it into Ford dealer this morning, there was a "Technical Service Bulletin" issued by Ford on this problem. They have replaced the coolant crossover tube (which is where the problem lies) and the thermostat. They roadtested it and it appears okay. Next trip, in 2 weeks, to Arizona from Vancouver Canada will tell the story.

[NWJeeper]

Thanks a bunch for the information, I will have to call Ford and check into that on ours.

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by Hankster

Addendum. Took the motorhome over the north Cascade highway in Washington, left the heater on the whole time and it never overheated. Took it into Ford dealer this morning, there was a "Technical Service Bulletin" issued by Ford on this problem. They have replaced the coolant crossover tube (which is where the problem lies) and the thermostat. They roadtested it and it appears okay. Next trip, in 2 weeks, to Arizona from Vancouver Canada will tell the story.

Great update. Hope that solved your over heating issue.
You coming to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon or are you Snow Birds?

Weather will be perfect when you arrive.

[2Susan]

I'm glad you found the problem and it sounds like it was easily fixed. Our Georgetown didn't overheat (even in Arizona with 112 temps and the a/c blasting) or on long grades so I wonder if in subsequent years they addressed that problem?

[Hankster]

thanks eveyone for your suggestions. The work done by my Ford dealership was covered under warranty (I have a 2007 Georgetown on a 2006 F53 platform). Heading out on a 6 week trip through Montana, Utah, Arizona and will hope to hit New Mexico and possibly Colorado. Should be a great test for the motorhome.