Heat is out and now engine temp is up...

[KevInAlaska]

Hello and thank you for reading my post.

I wanted to ask a question of some importance now because I live in Alaska and the current temp is 10 F and dropping to about zero at night.

I have a 1996 Ford f-150 straight 6 truck...

Recently in the last few weeks I notice the heating dropping in performance and then no heat. A few times it seemed to come back on with maybe 20 percent of its total normal heat then the next day nothing.

One day a few days ago the heat came up full. Now though nothing comes from the heat.

I also notice in the last few days that the engine temp goes almost all the way up then will drop some then rise, drop then rise etc... This drop and rise does not seem to matter if it truck is moving or not.

Any ideas on what this might be?

PLEASE HELP BECAUSE IT GETS TO BE ABOUT -50 F to -55 F at times in December and January and rests normally about -20 F the rest of the time in Winter.

Thanks again for reading this post

Sincerely,

Kevin <<FREEZING>> in Alaska

[transgta]

Sounds like thermostat is sticking therefore not letting antifreeze threw to cool motor and run threw heater core producing heat DAVE

[KevInAlaska]

Awesome DAVE! thank you for the reply.

All I now need to do is find out where this Thermostat is located and to replace it.

Do you know perchance if there is a website that might have online version of those auto mechanic detail books. The books that shows you where parts are located and how to pull them apart and put them back together?

Sincerely,

Kevin in Alaska...

PS. thanks again for the great help.

[transgta]

Where the hose from the radiator goes to top of motor the piece the hose connects to should have two bolts on it. Make sure the engine is cool undo the clamp on the hose pull it off antifreeze will come out u should see the thermostat. Youll have to take the two bolts off lift off the piece under it lies the thermostat. Make sure you have a new one handy swap them out. You will need a little antifreeze unless u catch it. Im really not sure of a site but parts stores have books for sale or u can just open it up while ur there to see. DAVE

[frank41]

And as long as you're there you might as well replace your belt and hoses and check the belt tensioner. Mine twanged on me in the mountains during winter...kinda irritating.

[tony36]

you may also have air in the system that will block the flow, did you replace the antifreeze recently for winter? I is a good idea to replace the thermostat anyway, just remember to bleed the system afterwards or you will get the same problem.