1990 Ford Econoline Van Radiator Problem, I think..

ariel418 · 04-18-2009, 09:18 PM

Honestly I don't know what's wrong with my van. Today it was overheating & spitting out radiator fluid, just like it had been before I replaced the radiator. Now I've replaced the entire radiator & am still having the overheating problem. As far as I can tell this problem just started today. I'm not quite sure what to do now. If the radiator was the original problem & it's been replaced why is the radiator overheating again & spitting out fluid?

rhandwor · 04-19-2009, 07:20 PM

Common problem areas are the radiator still has air in it refill and recheck.
When you installed the radiator hoses they need the internal spring they can collapse and stop flow.
Feel the top and bottom radiator hose and make sure both are hot. You could have a defective thermostat.
Does the heater work if it doesn't the water pump may be defective.
If these don't fix the problem go to Advance or Auto Zone and get a loaner pressure tester. Put appx. 10 psi on the system and run the engine you may have a blown head gasket. If the gage pulses its blown a gasket.

ariel418 · 04-19-2009, 09:42 PM

Yes both of the hoses were hot. Someone told me it may be a problem with the cooling fan. I'm not sure how to determine if that is the problem or something else. I don't know how to check the head gasket but I will try to get a friend to check it for me.

rhandwor · 04-20-2009, 08:16 AM

The fans are driven by the motor on this year but a bad thermostatic clutch or belt can cause a problem. Make sure its turning properly and doesn't have a lot of deposits indicating its leaking.

ariel418 · 04-20-2009, 04:09 PM

I had my friend take a look at it last night. I think he determined it was the hoses. They were not changed when I changed out the radiator. Doesn't seem like a very expensive problem. He is going to change them out for me. I'm glad it was nothing too serious.

jinshiyang · 04-25-2009, 04:27 AM

Yes both of the hoses were hot. I'm not sure how to determine if that is the problem or something else. I don't know how to check the head gasket but I will try to get a friend to check it for me. (http://www.xhcljx.com/eng)

G0ldRush · 05-12-2009, 07:40 PM

If bubbles comes from the upper hose when thermostat opens well combustion comes in contact with the green stuff, replace the head gasket

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