I'm towing a 20ft cargo trailer and my van is overheating. I'm also noticing some ping and knock when going uphill. I've been towing the same trailer for 5 years and it's the first time the van overheats. I've replaced the fan clutch but that didn't make any difference. The rad is only a couple of years old and the tranny is only 8 months old. Anyone have a clue what's up?

 

thermostat?

 

If your overheating and pinging when you are towing, i think that your timming has slipped, sounds like you are advanced to much.
Troy

 

I agree with both ^^^^ and I'd check both. [8D]

Excessive heat (possibly due to a stuck/faulty thermostat) can cause pinging.

The timing being off can also cause pinging and overheating during towing.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll slap a new termostat in tomorow and checkout the timing.

 

Looks like the rad is plugged, getting a flush and a new rad in a few days.

 

good to hear its just that.. its better than a major problem.

 

Doh! 5 hours of labor and a new rad $799.00 after taxes that's a major problem[]. It's a van and a tight fit in there so the whole front grill and a bunch of other stuff has to come out. Oh well, I guess these days anything under $1000.00 is good news Labor cost is a killer these days.

 

Try a new thermostat. It may not be opening enough for full flow under heavy loads like that.

 

That's why you should consider doing the job yourself. You learn about the vehicle and save money. If time is indeed money, then I believe that my time is definitely worth what a dealer would charge me.

Sorry, but that's highly doubtful. Sounds more like he stated, in that there was a blockage.