Ford Explorer: HELP 99 ford Explorer Overheating

>I noticed that when I accelerate fast that the temp goes really high, not to 

Is the fluid level ok?
How about the little hose from the radiator to the over flow bottle?
How about the radiator hoses themselves?
Fan clutch?

Matt,

Is the car actually getting hot, or are you basing this solely on the gauge?

I had a similar experience with my old '68 Cougar, it would overheat on the
highway but around town it would run the perfect temperature. The gauge was
accurate and I later found out that the issue was a defective thermostat
that was stuck open.

So in summary, check the easy stuff first. Look at the temperature sensor
for a loose wire and perhaps measure the resistance on it (remember that the
ambient temperature will make a difference).

Of course if it is really getting hot then that is another story. Flush the
cooling system and at the same time change the thermostat. If you do not
buy a FORD thermostat, you will be sorry. It has an eccentric raised
portion that locks the thermostat in place during installation. High
quality aftermarket units do not even have this; Robertshaw, Stant, Napa,
etc. Additionally it has a bleed valve to assist in the prevention of air
pockets.

Also when installing the thermostat, push down on the spring of the
thermostat and insert 2 aspirins opposite each other to hold the thermostat
open. This will hold the thermostat open long enough to fill with water and
also assist in bleeding the air out of the cooling system. Once filled,
about 5 minutes, the aspirin will dissolve and prevent cooling headaches (OK
I had to throw that in there). Additionally use distilled water with the
coolant for best results.

I know that there is a huge difference between the cars of yesteryear and
today's autos, but I think that this should put you on the correct track.

Sgt Schultz

PS Any loss of power associated with this problem? If so have the
catalytic converter checked out, most muffler shops will do that for free
AND IT IS against federal law to sell someone a cat if it is not required!!!

"News" <com> wrote in message
news:XbYhb.9433$central.cox.net... 
to 
slow 
This 

I have a 1999 Explorer SOHC. At about the same mileage as you I had the
same thing happen. It turned out it was a stuck thermostat. Hope this info
helps.

"Sgt Schultz" <com> wrote in message
news:6v5ib.98978$%..
Matt,

Is the car actually getting hot, or are you basing this solely on the gauge?

I had a similar experience with my old '68 Cougar, it would overheat on the
highway but around town it would run the perfect temperature. The gauge was
accurate and I later found out that the issue was a defective thermostat
that was stuck open.

So in summary, check the easy stuff first. Look at the temperature sensor
for a loose wire and perhaps measure the resistance on it (remember that the
ambient temperature will make a difference).

Of course if it is really getting hot then that is another story. Flush the
cooling system and at the same time change the thermostat. If you do not
buy a FORD thermostat, you will be sorry. It has an eccentric raised
portion that locks the thermostat in place during installation. High
quality aftermarket units do not even have this; Robertshaw, Stant, Napa,
etc. Additionally it has a bleed valve to assist in the prevention of air
pockets.

Also when installing the thermostat, push down on the spring of the
thermostat and insert 2 aspirins opposite each other to hold the thermostat
open. This will hold the thermostat open long enough to fill with water and
also assist in bleeding the air out of the cooling system. Once filled,
about 5 minutes, the aspirin will dissolve and prevent cooling headaches (OK
I had to throw that in there). Additionally use distilled water with the
coolant for best results.

I know that there is a huge difference between the cars of yesteryear and
today's autos, but I think that this should put you on the correct track.

Sgt Schultz

PS Any loss of power associated with this problem? If so have the
catalytic converter checked out, most muffler shops will do that for free
AND IT IS against federal law to sell someone a cat if it is not required!!!

"News" <com> wrote in message
news:XbYhb.9433$central.cox.net... 
to 
slow 
This