f150 overheating. Fan clutch?

[Tool-Slinger]

Only starts getting hot when in idle-parked/light or drive thru. Does okay when on the highway.

Fan can spin a quarter turn or more if you reach in and give it a whirl, same whether the engine is hot or cold. No grinding or anything like that.

All else I can think of is the thermostat or air blockage. Not the latter from looking, and the former seems unlikely based on my GM experiences.

triton v8, 97 model. Any ideas to save me a road-side repair day?

[tinner73]

when's the last time you replaced the anti-freeze?

[badbillr]

sounds like 1 of 2 things: first one being the system is low on coolant. second - fan clutch slipping too much. when you rev the engine up, do you feel lots of air being pulled through the radiator by the fan?

[Tool-Slinger]

when's the last time you replaced the anti-freeze?

Over 6 years... Sealed system I figure. I did not even check the reservoir level or anything. This problem seemed to just pop-up all of a sudden, I don;t think it was running hot before this. I have dial gauges on the dash, not just lights.

[tinner73]

test/change your anti-freeze..do you have a tester? it doesn't last forever

[sweat hog]

Airflow problem, check between the condensor and radiator Chaff and crud can accumulate between them and restrict flow. Spin the fan on a another truck and compare the drag.

[Tool-Slinger]

sounds like 1 of 2 things: first one being the system is low on coolant. second - fan clutch slipping too much. when you rev the engine up, do you feel lots of air being pulled through the radiator by the fan?

Thanks tinner and badbill! I went out and checked the Afreeze and the reservoir is dry as a bone. No radiator cap, just the reservoir thing.

Me and my head gaskets thank you very much!

[tinner73]

get one of these..you're welcome.

[Tool-Slinger]

get one of these..you're welcome.

Good advice, taken and thanks guys.