August 1989

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Dear Tom and Ray:
I have a 1973 Ford F250 Pick-Up with a V-8 and super cooling. I've put in a new radiator, hoses, thermostat, sending unit, dash gauge, fan clutch, and water pump and still the heat gauge reads 3/4 to "hot" in stop-and-go traffic. Strangely, when the temperature gauge goes to hot, the radiator doesn't sound like it's boiling. Do you have any idea what my problem could be?
Chuck

RAY: Even though you replaced the sending unit and the gauge, you should first double-check to determine that you are getting an accurate reading of the engine temperature. Go out to an auto parts store and buy yourself an automotive thermometer.

TOM: Better yet, steal your wife's cooking thermometer out of the top drawer in the kitchen. Remove the radiator cap, and let the engine idle with the thermometer sticking into the fluid. After an hour or so, check the temperature of the coolant. If it reads 180-190, the engine is fine and either the new sending unit or the gauge are faulty.

RAY: If the coolant registers "well done," however, your problem may be more serious. You may have a cracked or plugged block. A block test will answer that question. And don't forget to wipe off the thermometer off before you put it back, unless you like Turkey a la Ethylene Glycol.

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© 2006 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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Auto repairs can be costly! Save money by ordering Tom and Ray's pamphlet: "Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It!" To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.