I have had my van for several years. I have never had a problem with the cooling system. I recently put a hitch on it and pulled a “camper” about 2 hours away. The van began overheating after about 45 minutes of pulling the trailer. After we got to the campground, we drove the van several times without the trailer. No overheating problem. So I guess it just the extra work to haul the trailer that is causing the problem. The van is equipped with a 302, dual a/c, extended roof and a wheelchair lift. So it is a little heavy by itself. I have searched autozone and Rock auto but can only find replacement radiators. Where can Ali find a larger radiator? Will that solve my problem?

It may be your fan clutch is not engaging to help cool with the added stress of towing. Or the thermostat is not opening correctly. I would check these before replacing the radiator. If you don't have an auxiliary transmission cooler you may need to add one. The two times I had overheating problems it turned out to be the fan clutch was bad.

Jaxpapa wrote: Where can Ali find a larger radiator? Will that solve my problem?Mabey, maybey not, but not likely. Cooling systems are just that, systems. If one part could fix cooling issues the OEM would just fix that one part. There is a lot of engineering that goes into cooling systems. Airflow, coolant flow and heat rejection and more go into that system.Vans are the worst when it comes to cooling. That is why OEM derates them.

How big is the trailer?How hot was it while towing?What driving conditions (lots of steep grades, stopped in traffic, etc...)?Some things to look at before getting exotic check some simple items... - Does the electric fan come one once up to temp in stopped conditions? - Is the radiator full? - Pull the thermostat and test. - Check the radiator fins to make sure they aren't damaged.Assuming the trailer doesn't exceed the truck ratings, a bigger radiator shouldn't be needed and I've not heard of upsizing a radiator before.

I agree with checking the fan clutch. The fan is LOUD when it engages. It seems like the Ford fan clutches start sticking after about 15 years. The less the fan is needed, the more likely it is for the the valve (which controls the oil flow) is to stick, and keep it from engaging. Of course, make sure you are current on coolant life as well.Under normal towing conditions, you should not be overheating. Putting in a larger radiator won't address the root cause of the overheating.

^ And how old is the van? When you say 302 I presume you mean mid 90s or older. You have a 20-30 year old truck that isn't very robust for towing duty in the first place. (1/2 ton vans typically aren't/weren't equipped for heavy towing)If it doesn't overheat during normal driving then there is likely not a huge problem.I'd start with the easy, cheap and likely stuff.Coolant flush (coolant over 5-10 years old?) $50, new thermostat when you have it apart to flush, $10, new radiator cap, $15, new fan clutch $50 tops. If that doesn't cure it, you probably are doing too much with an old truck without digging deep into it.

E150 overheating. | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

midnightsadie
Explorer II
Jun 07, 2019
if the fan clutch came on? you,d here it, a good going over is needed.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jun 07, 2019
Could be as simple as the radiator fins being clogged with debris, bugs dirt ect. As others have said fan clutches go out as well. When the fan engages it's usually louder.
1320Fastback
Explorer
Jun 07, 2019
If it's overheating pulling a 7x16 cargo trailer it doesn't stand a chance towing a toy hauler. Need to figure out why it's overheating before even attempting it and do some upgrades.

I'd have the radiator rebuilt at a shop that does that. I wouldn't waste my money on a "new" parts store radiator with plastic tanks. While your under the hood add a external transmission cooler and change the water pump and new belts too.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jun 07, 2019
Another product which can help lower the coolant temperature is Wetter Water by Redline. It's available online or at most auto parts stores.

https://www.redlineoil.com/waterwetter-coolant-additives

I used it in my truck and it reduce the temp by 20 degrees when towing uphill.
Jaxpapa
Explorer
Jun 07, 2019
A little more info. I have a 1993 conversion van. It has 66,000 miles on it and I was pulling a 7X16 cargo trailer that I semi converted into a camper. My wife has had a stroke and requires a hospital bed. I am looking at maybe a regular toy hauler if I can find one that sets low enough for her to drive her wheelchair into.
Grit_dog
Navigator III
Jun 07, 2019
^ And how old is the van?
When you say 302 I presume you mean mid 90s or older. You have a 20-30 year old truck that isn't very robust for towing duty in the first place. (1/2 ton vans typically aren't/weren't equipped for heavy towing)
If it doesn't overheat during normal driving then there is likely not a huge problem.
I'd start with the easy, cheap and likely stuff.
Coolant flush (coolant over 5-10 years old?) $50, new thermostat when you have it apart to flush, $10, new radiator cap, $15, new fan clutch $50 tops.
If that doesn't cure it, you probably are doing too much with an old truck without digging deep into it.
carringb
Explorer
Jun 07, 2019
I agree with checking the fan clutch. The fan is LOUD when it engages. It seems like the Ford fan clutches start sticking after about 15 years. The less the fan is needed, the more likely it is for the the valve (which controls the oil flow) is to stick, and keep it from engaging. Of course, make sure you are current on coolant life as well.

Under normal towing conditions, you should not be overheating. Putting in a larger radiator won't address the root cause of the overheating.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jun 07, 2019
How big is the trailer?
How hot was it while towing?
What driving conditions (lots of steep grades, stopped in traffic, etc...)?

Some things to look at before getting exotic check some simple items...
- Does the electric fan come one once up to temp in stopped conditions?
- Is the radiator full?
- Pull the thermostat and test.
- Check the radiator fins to make sure they aren't damaged.

Assuming the trailer doesn't exceed the truck ratings, a bigger radiator shouldn't be needed and I've not heard of upsizing a radiator before.
Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
Jun 07, 2019
Jaxpapa wrote:
Where can Ali find a larger radiator? Will that solve my problem?

Mabey, maybey not, but not likely. Cooling systems are just that, systems. If one part could fix cooling issues the OEM would just fix that one part.

There is a lot of engineering that goes into cooling systems. Airflow, coolant flow and heat rejection and more go into that system.

Vans are the worst when it comes to cooling. That is why OEM derates them.
the_bear_II
Explorer
Jun 07, 2019
It may be your fan clutch is not engaging to help cool with the added stress of towing. Or the thermostat is not opening correctly. I would check these before replacing the radiator.

If you don't have an auxiliary transmission cooler you may need to add one.

The two times I had overheating problems it turned out to be the fan clutch was bad.

Forum Discussion

E150 overheating.

20 Replies

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Potential engine overheating

Near engine overheating gauge

Tranny overheated

FORD 460 Overheating Mystery

2013 Ecoboost overheating