need some help with cooling issues

[dylan020]

ok on my trip home to florida last night my car started running pretty hot. I checked to see if the fan was still cutting on and that checked out but it wont turn on until the gauge hits around the a-l part in "normal". Anybody got any ideas of what it could be? Im hoping its something small like the thermostat but yall know a lot more than I. Thanks guys

[Craig K.]

how old is your radiator?

[Italian LX]

I would check/replace the sending units for the ECT (engine coolant temperature).

[qkjuicedpony]

I would check/replace the sending units for the ECT (engine coolant temperature).



i concur :popcorn:

[dylan020]

radiator is stock

brian, where/how do i do that??

[Wicked]

radiator is stock

brian, where/how do i do that??

Coolant temp sensor is in the lower intake of a 5.0, it only controls the gage. Its only about 5 bucks and does not require draining the coolant. Basically, it may just be the gage thats going bad and you may not actually be running hot.

If that doesn't fix it, the engine temp switch should be in the block. It actually controls the fan.

Yours is a 5.0 right? 94/95?

[Disney Lincoln]

Did you check the coolant level? The ECT seonsor wont work very well unless you get water up to it.

[mustang1549]

Yours is a 5.0 right? 94/95?

yes

[dylan020]

yah coolant level is fine

[Wicked]

Try changing the sending unit first. It may only be the gage. Do you have any other indication that the car is running hot?

[dylan020]

no thats it, wheres the sending unit? I dont have too many tools down here so I may have to take it somewhere unfortunately

[Wicked]

no thats it, wheres the sending unit? I dont have too many tools down here so I may have to take it somewhere unfortunately

Front left of lower intake behind distributor. Its a single wire connection to a brass sending unit. Should not lose any coolant and should only need a deep well(not sure what size) socket and a extension to get past the upper intake.