overheat

[f.boyle]

what should I do if my truck over heats on a long trip 3000miles

I'm going non stop from vt to az should I pullover and let it idle or pullover and let it idle for a few minutes then shut it down or what???

chainsaw

 

[JLEONARD]

Assuming your cooling system is in good shape, why the worry?

Carry a couple extra gallons of 50/50 mix antifreeze. If she starts to run too warm, pull over and investigate... or slow down and see if it cools.

I like to keep it idling for a little bit in an overheat condition... I think that's usually better than a sudden shut down most times.

I don't think there is one answer for all the possible scenarios...

Jay

 

[1stgen4evr]

Overheat?

Why do you suspect that it might. With a five speed, I see no reason that it would. You might get overheating with an automatic if you don't have a transmission cooler. Your truck is qualified to make the trip in stock mode unless there is some problem. Clogged radiator or such.



April last year I drove my 93 automatic to Alaska and got some high temps on the long uphill pulls. A place or two the engine temp was about too much but I toped the hills and kept going. Going downhill, the temp immediately dropped to normal. On my 92 with automatic, taking a loader backhoe into the NC mountains, I had to stop about two thirds up one grade and let the engine run at high idle for a bit. Interestingly, if I can keep the automatic in OD, it runs cooler than when it drops to direct and runs higher engine speed. It is getteing to near 300k and I think the torque converted is going south.



In 400k miles of driving my 93 with getrag it has not once overheated.



1stgen4evr

James

 

[f.boyle]

I was just thinking that is the thing that is most likely to happen so I figured I would see what you guys thought. but I must agree there is no reason for it to!!! thanks

chainsaw

 

[sparks57]

If you're engine gets warm, and you have plenty of coolant, pull over and let the truck idle.



Shutting your truck down will delay the cooling of your coolant because it is no longer flowing through the radiator.



BUT, there should be no reason why you're engine should overheat, unless it's real hot, and you're pulling a heavy load.

 

[1stgen4evr]

3000 miles

I have posted on this before but it is worth repeating. Going that far, check everything but be sure to check the belt and tensioner. You don't state the miles on your truck but I lost a tensioner at about 165k miles. It cost a heck of a lot more on the road than at home. The water pump will be good for around 300k miles. I carry a spare fuel filter. I carry the tools to replace anything I have a spare for. Idler, water pump, fuel filter, belt, bulbs AND two flashlight and a test light.



On the overheating, should you burst a hose, you will have to shut it down right away. There is no benefit in running longer.



Best of luck on the move.



James

 

[f.boyle]

no load at all about 5k