Overheating Problem

[Slammed83]

I went out this morning and started my truck up, and it got to about 180 like normal so i took my sister to school. I had the defrost on the whole time and the heat never really kicked in. And then i was about 3 blocks away from her school and it started to overheat really bad and climbed the gauge to about 240. I shut it off and checked the antifreeze, added a little and started it again about 10 minutes ago. The gauge went right back to 240... So can someone tell me what is wrong? im not too bright when it comes to the cooling system..

[beastie_3]

When the coolant is cool, open the rad cap and see if there is coolant flow. The pump might have gone out.

[screamin86]

Possibly a bad thermostat also!

[Slammed83]

Thermostat was my first thought, But there actually isnt any coolant flow because none of the Heating hoses are warm.

[Jim Rockford]

yup . thermostat is stuck closed , really low on water, or you didn't have enough antifreeze and you radiator was frozen . Never add cold water to a hot engine with it off, and if its over heating do not remove the cap. just hang out and wait for it to cool off and then add water after you get the cap off and then start it up and add coolant.

[Slammed83]

It was at 240 before i realized what was happening, So i pulled over and let it cool off.. Then drove it home. I let it cool off for 5 hours while i slept off my cold then went out and it was low on coolant so i added some. It still went up to 240 and i noticed that there is no coolant flow.

[Lt.Del]

t-stadt

[screamin86]

Fail safe all the way!

[1980c10]

check the weep hole on your water pump while your checking stuff.

[86k20]

could be a bad water pump and a thermostat

[Slammed83]

I changed the Thermostat and water pump today, Somewhat fixed the problem, Im looking into the radiator not getting cooled by the fan efficiently..

[1980c10]

It could also be that your radiator is partially plugged. 
If it overheats while driving suspect your radiator.
If it overheats while not driving (at idle) suspect your fan.
If you are still losing coolant you may want to pressure test the cooling system.

[Slammed83]

Alright. I think its the fan.. I was drivin this morning and it was at 210.. Sped up to 60 and it dropped to 180

[beastie_3]

How long have you owned the truck?

Did you remove the fan shroud?

I have never had a shroud on mine as long as ive owned it and my flex fan is about 4 inches away from the radiator. Ive never had a problem with it overheating.

[Slammed83]

Bought the truck this past may, No shroud. It runs 190 on a hot august day, but i dont get why it would go to 220 when its -2. It is heading fine.. Maybe the radiator is just too small?