Overheating, odd noises.

[sniperthx1]

My 87' V10 started leaking coolant out of the upper radiator hose, not sure whether it was an issue with the neck or the hose, gonna pressure test the radiator and make sure it isn't the radiator. Replace the hose too.

Anyway, being as I was in the mountains grouse hunting at the time, I RTV'ed the area and couldn't find any leaks at the area, so I got home.

However, as I was driving home, the engine temp would fluctuate between 210 and probably around 230-40 or so. Kept making me very nervous.

I also noticed a slight grinding noise when I would change engine RPM quickly. It would go away quickly.

I've checked the oil, (because I overheated the engine) to make sure I don't have any coolant in the oil. I don't.

Seems to me I shouldn't have overheating issues if I had solved the leak problem, but I did.

The temps I was watching were during highway driving. Didn't drive on the surface streets much.

I wonder what I should look into besides the radiator?

Another thing, every here and there, I can rock the truck bed back and forth and hear a clunk noise from the rear axle. Not really sure what to think about that. At least, I assume it's from the axle, I guess it could also have come from the transfer case, but I'm not sure.

I noticed this shortly after I caught air in the truck.....OOps.

 

[K5dreamer]

temp fluctuations and a "grinding" (maybe rattling) noise, id look at the clutch fan, or the water pump.

the noise from the rear end, thats a fun one, id get a mechanics stethascope, or a long 3/8 in extention to use in that manner, and listen to different parts of the drivetrain as a friend moves the truck causing the sound, see if you can narrow down where it is.

 

[sniperthx1]

I might add, there seems to be a high rpm vibration coming from the engine.

As for the axle noise, I think I forgot to mention that it doesn't always do it. Only did it the once.

 

[Z71paramedic]

I might add, there seems to be a high rpm vibration coming from the engine.

As for the axle noise, I think I forgot to mention that it doesn't always do it. Only did it the once.

Sounds like your water pump is trying to let loose... Could also be the fan cultch as said above. The rear noise could be anything from a bent shock to spring bushings to a broken exhaust hanger. I'd get under it and have a buddy shake the hell out of it and try to track it down that way.

 

[Stomis]

If you find no leak perhaps check the torque converter and make sure the lockup is disengaging. Might be your noise and your over heating source.

 

[sniperthx1]

If you find no leak perhaps check the torque converter and make sure the lockup is disengaging. Might be your noise and your over heating source.

Shoulda mentioned, it has a manual transmission.

I'll have someone shake the hell out of the rear end.

And I'll give the water pump and clutch fan a good going over. Figure if either is going, I'll replace em both.

 

[sniperthx1]

I looked all over the water pump, but couldn't find any signs of a leak. Then I looked over the fan clutch. Has resistance, can't feel any movement at the end of the blades.

There is some greasy dirt all over the front of the fan clutch. Not sure if this is indicative of a leak or not.

Noticed the radiator cap has some cracks in the rubber. So I have a new one ready to install.

Bought new upper and lower radiator hoses. Will install these and see what happens.

Hopefully it isn't anything more than these things.

I noticed that I haven't secured the line going from my york compressor to the plumbing, so I wonder if that may be vibrating. I'll secure it and see.

 

[Chief Brody]

Then I looked over the fan clutch. Has resistance, can't feel any movement at the end of the blades.

There is some greasy dirt all over the front of the fan clutch. Not sure if this is indicative of a leak or not.

I went through Hell with an overheating problem and couldn't find the answer....the fan clutch felt fine and when I spn it by hand it had the correct tension....
BUT...that was the problem...bad fan clutch...somebody here on the Board told me to run the engine and let it heat up and watch and listen for the fan clutch to change speed...it never did..when I put the new one on it is very obvious when it kicks in and blows air like a wind tunnel...

I will never trust the spin test again...I'll just replace the fan clutch at intervals...

 

[4xcrazy]

I've noticed the fan clutches USUALLY fail by not locking in tighter when the heat is sensed for it to. BUT, I did have one several years back on car I owned, while driving on the freeway, the engine shuttered, then made a loud noise, turns out the clutch froze up, locked and became a direct drive fan. WOW did that thing run cool after that. Only problem with that, is it tears up the fuel mileage.

check/replace the fan clutch, I usually only buy heavy duty clutches anymore, mainly because of the climate I'm in,,, check for leaks in the radiator, color/age/quanitity of coolant to water mixture, fan shroud in place. I have personally found out here in Arizona, that USUALLY, most of the time, when there is a overheating issue, it's caused from a old, wore out or just bad radiator.

I have replaced all the radiators in all the vehicles I have owned with larger units, (more rows) heavy duty fan clutches (if applicaple) and even running the factory t-stats after that (195*), never have a problem with overheating again. Only one where I did have the heating problem was in my dually and only because I didn't have the fan shroud installed.

 

[sniperthx1]

Got the upper radiator hose replaced.

Drove my truck down the road a bit, several miles. Noticed the truck kept right around what I would assume to be 150. The line between 100 and 210 anyway.

Now, I know that I have much more water than coolant in my radiator at the moment, I wonder if this could cause that?

 

[sniperthx1]

No more comments?