so i went to get fire wood on the week end and as i was climbing up the hill witch was about 18 to 23 % steep and i put it in 4 wheel drive and my temp went right up into the red and had to stop and let it cool off.... i have never had that happen before and i have used the 4 wheel lots but not that steep of a hill so i was wondering if that is just the way it goes or if my thermostat is going or gone thanx for the help...

 

Is your fan clutch working properly?

 

Putting the vehicle in 4 wheel drive should not cause it to overheat!! Nor the degree of grade.

If this is a 22r series engine they sometimes have a condition where the temp gauge spikes !! Temperature overshoot I think it is called.

Did you check the coolant level lately ?? Belt is tight??

Have you had the coolant out lately perhaps you have a air pocket ??

Is the radiator blocked or just dieing from old age ??

How did it work after it cooled down??

Was the firewood brought home ??

 

Do you have an OEM two-stage thermostat? Good info here:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...tml#Thermostat