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89 tracker excess steering play and overheating

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89 tracker excess steering play and overheating
« on: June 05, 2012, 09:41:38 AM »
Hi all, I just bought a tracker that I have reason to believe has many miles of towing behind a motor home. It runs real good, starts easy etc. I live in southern NM and the ambient air temp this time of year in the PM is usually in the 90's. When on the highway I can't drive over 60 MPH with out the heat gauge going to the red. On a long upgrade it rises very rapidly.
I've removed the thermostat and checked the coolant flow in the radiator with the cap off, (after cooling off)  It seems to flow very well, but I see lots of small bubbles. Could this indicate exhaust gas in the coolant? I'm wondering if installing a 2 row new radiator would be a solution? Was this vehicle ever designed to run at 65 mph in 90 to 105 deg temps?
Also the steering seems pretty sloppy. (manual) I'm sure this could easily be simply normal wear and tear. Is there an easy way to check or adjust the steering box?
Thanks, Jim

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Re: 89 tracker excess steering play and overheating
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2012, 03:34:21 PM »
Depending on a lot of variables, sounds like the simple solution would be replace the radiator. It could be clogged even though coolant is flowing through it top to bottom. It shouldn't overheat in 90+degree temps even going up a mountain as long as the fan is working and rad is clean and allowing coolant to go through completely.
If there's a leak in the cooling system allowing air in bubbles?( or exhaust ) my guess is you would find oil in the coolant as well, probably indicating a blown head gasket and a probable warped head from overheating.
I've had a Tracker that the previous owner used some kind of stop leak in the rad, overheated all the time when wheeling. Finally pulled the plastic top off the rad after changing it out and found half the tubes clogged with that stop leak crap. Hope this is your only issue and not a leaking head gasket.
Sloppy steering could be a number of things too, usually wheel bearings, tie rod ends, play in the box, all things to look at.
The steering box has a lock nut on top with a screw type adjuster in the middle. Before you tighten anything on the box check all your ball joints, steering linkage and tie tie ends.  Make sure your tires are inflated properly too.
The usual stuff, and 2nd generation Air to liquid intercooled TURBOCHARGER