I have a 1999 f150 with the 5.4 liter in it. For the past few days it's been overheating for a short time after I start and run it, but then the temperature gauge drops back down to normal operating temperature after the heat gauge gets about six to seven eighths of the way up. I talked to a buddy who said I was probably having trouble with the thermostat or air pockets. I changed the thermostat and flushed the radiator out but I'm still having problems. It's seems to me like the thermostat won't open the first time it needs to until it starts to overheat. There's no leaks that I can see although I am losing coolant because if the pressure gets too high while it's overheating the cap on my coolant tank releases some coolant out. I'm guessing to release pressure. Any advice would help. I'm taking it to a shop in 4 or 5 days but would really like to be able to fix it myself if Possible.
What makes this problem better or worse?
Overheats usually around 5 minutes into driving once the engine reaches normal operating temp
How long has your 1999 Ford F-150 had this problem?
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