Ford 1500 Overheating

[telfer]

My Ford 1500 is overheating when it is under load, I noticed it yesterday when cutting some thick grass. It cooled down when I turned the mower off and drove it down the road. Like I said it only seems to happen when it is working under load. Not sure if this is the thermostat or water pump, any suggestions

 

[Just Bill]

Hello
The overheating could be from a number of things.
1. Restricted air flow through the radiator.
2. Fan belt slipping.
3. Low coolant level.
4. Radiator and engine restricted and needs flushed.
I think I would wash through the radiator fins and check the coolant level and check the belt for correct tension first.
Start with the easy and go from there.
Although it could be more, do the basics first.

 

[telfer]

Thanks for the info I will try it and see what happens

 

[mostly_gas]

My 1700 has a screen in front of the radiator to quick improve the airflow through it. you can shine a light through the radiator to see of the fins are plugged with the screen out. Then check coolant level, may have dropped some during the hot running.
Then check the fan belt tension. If still running hot, pull radiator and have it cleaned out, and check thermostat for opening and closing and proper temp( candy thermometer will be close enough).
After you fix your cooling problem get some test strips (Wix makes some) to check ph and anti-cavitation so system will last longer.

 

[telfer]

Thanks for the help.