My 98 ford Expedition does the same things. The temp guage spikes hot and after either restarting the engine or driving about a mile, it drops back down to normal. But it gets even wierder. In cold weather (below 32 degrees F) it will not blow heat. Once the weather warms up to above freezing, it runs like a new vehicle and the heat cooks you out. I have had the coolant system flushed several times over the 3 years I owned the vehicle and changed the thermostat 3 times. The Ford garage says "it's probably the head gasket," but why would it be the head gasket when there is no water/antifreeze in the oil and it runs so good when it is nice out? I personally think ford just wants to sell me a new engine.
Sounds like the fan and temp gauge (located on the intake mainfold is screwing up) , if its head gaskets it would be smoking out the tail pipe. Have you added any antifreeze if so was it once a week if so make sure nothings leaking on the ground if there isn't then its your head gaskets that would be a first for a 4.6 which is a good motor and none I would on ever had bad heads. I would check the water pump fan first with truck off grap fan at 9 and 3 and see if it wobbels forward and backward if so it's the fan. I have come across alot of bad fans. Fan would cost $30 and up. Rate of difficulty 1-10 I give it a 4.
Coolant temp sensor and fan clutch need to be replaced
1,546 views
Usually answered in minutes!
03 expedition 5.4L overheating. I immediately changed the thermostate. It has done it several times in the past week. No water is present in the oil and heater won`t blow hot air while it is happening. Water pump not making any funny noises or dripping water and hoses seem fine. Is there a secondary thermostate?
×