Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) got hot, hot into the red ........

[Breed]

I was pulling a long steep hill outside of Kingman AZ pulling my 10k 5er when my 98 12 valve, became hot and into the red at 230 degrees. I pulled over and let her cool down and started up again and it got hot again once more before getting over the hill. I found a shop in Kingman AZ where they stated the radiator was 20% plugged in the bottom tank. I put in a new radiator, new hoses, new thermostat and a new fan clutch (which was starting to leak oil). I bought the truck brand new in 1998 and have changed the coolant 6 times in 10 years with 90k on the clock. I have changed hoses but never changed the thermostat or fan clutch. I was wondering if anyone has had this type of problem while towing and what I can do NOT to have this problem again. I have babied the truck, always had clean fluids and used Amsoil. The truck seems to work fine now, and have a bottle of water wetter in the new radiator so I believe it was a number of small problems which caused the big problem, heavy load, hot day, long pull (15 miles), and 20% blockage in radiator.

Any ideas?

thanks... ...

 

[Missouri Mule]

Make sure you use distilled water in the radiator regular water has hard metals in it which can cause radiator probelms after a long time (hard metal eats up soft metal radiator is made of).

 

[Breed]

Yeah! Thanks so much for the info, I didn't do that and I think that caused the problem. We have real hard water here in Northern Nevada and I didn't know about the distilled water idea. Believe me, It won't happen again, thanks for the reply Missouri Mule. The truck is 10 years old an only gets used for hauling, but we are keeping it till we croak! cuz I just love the truck.

 

[Champane Flight]

Flush

When changing coolants do not forget to flush radiator and engine until clean.

 

[AH64ID]

I would recommend something like Cat, Delo, Texaco EC-1... extended lift coolant, good for 600K miles with an additive package at 300K.....

 

[Breed]

I would recommend something like Cat, Delo, Texaco EC-1... extended lift coolant, good for 600K miles with an additive package at 300K.....

I haven't seen that type here in Northern Nevada, been using Prestone although I didn't know to use distilled water because of hard water and the water here in Northern Nevada is very hard. Thanks for the information.

 

[AH64ID]

One nice thing about the EC-1 fluid is that its premixed so you dont add any water... I would be you can find it somewhere.

 

[Breed]

Thanks, Ill look for it.

 

[Loren]

Bob,



I second the comment about extended life coolant. You are changing the coolant way too much, and if you are not using distilled water you are adding more calcium to your system with every change.



I use the Caterpillar, pre-mixed coolant, but I think that Cummins is also selling its own extended life coolant now. If you use the pre-mixed, it will come with distilled water.



Flush the system with dishwasher detergent or a commercial flush. A search of these forums should yield the proper procedure. I think Electrosol was the brand that someone recommended. Be sure to rinse everything out well before adding coolant.



Another problem that turns up occasionally is clogging of the radiator fins. It seems that the oil blow-by bottle and its tubing is in just the right spot to allow oil mist to accumulate on the radiator. This oil film collects dust, and before you know it your radiator is clogged. Keep the radiator clean with an occasional pressure wash, maybe with a degreaser added.



The clogged radiator cuts down on the cooling, but more importantly it prevents the fan clutch from working properly. The fan clutch senses the heat from the air passing through the radiator. When the air gets hot, the clutch engages and turns the fan faster, thus cooling the radiator. If the radiator is clogged, the fan clutch won't sense the extra heat and so it won't engage, leading to overheating.



I suspect that one or both of these issues are your problem.



Good luck,

Loren

 

[Breed]

Thanks,
Loren, I believe your right, I think I had both issues. I really appreciate the information.