I have a 91' E350 w/ a str.6 motor. Just purchased so this is all new to me. The problems:

Day1-Noticed antifreeze leak coming from water pump.
*Water pump was replaced.

Day2-Drove van to work all was fine, drove van home started getting hot. It never made it all the way to the "H" side but close. Once shut off, steam was coming from overflow tube. 5min. later "poof" rubber hose from bottom of radiator split, water everywhere, also noticed a leak inside van from heater core I assume. Nut much but enough to notice.
* I replaced both upper and lower hoses as well as installing a new "fail safe" thermostat.

Day3- After finishing hose and thermostat install I changed oil and filter, I filled with new antifreeze and I did have the engine running to top off the water. Went for test drive 10min later started getting hot again. Pulled over had a little steam. Waited about 45min and started back home, temp gauge barely came off of "C" on gauge.

I am assuming that it got hot again and that "fail safe" thermostat I purchased did its job and is now stuck open which is why it is not moving anywhere on temp gauge.

I talked to a few people and the suggestions that I have are to install a new thermostat and replace the heater core. Im at a loss here, I thought replacing the thermostat would have solved the overheating. Ive ruled out a head gasket being blown, with the engine running and radiator cap off there are not any bubbles from the water, and of course checking the oil for signs of water, all seems ok there..


Any tips or suggestions?

Thanx

 

Hi, I have a 1980 E250 with the straight 6 and had a very similar problem. I was overheating and I replaced my thermostat, hoses, water pump and eventually I had to replace the radiator to solve the problem. Gotta remember that the thermostat only opens up the engine to flow the hot coolant through the radiator and if its clogged it will bypass around and flow back in to the enginestill hot as hell. Minelooked good but the middle was all clogged and you'd never have known it. Once I replaced it the coolant was flowing properly and my van hardly ever gets above the C it runs so well. I would definately look into replacing it. Mine was about $140 at advance and only took about an hour to swap out but was well worth it.

 

Also may want to have a look at the clutch fan to be sure it's spinning correctly.