Ford F350 Won't Start When the Engine Is Hot

The Ford F350 is a truck that many people use to get around in rugged terrain or haul trailers. If you have an F350 that will not start after the engine is hot, you probably have something wrong with your coolant levels or coolant system. You don't have to be a mechanic to get your F350 running again, but a professional should handle major repairs. Troubleshooting the issue yourself could save you money if you the problem is minor.

Things You'll Need

  • Funnel
  • Coolant/distilled water
  • Turn the F350 off if it is overheating. You will be able to tell from the temperature gauge on the dashboard. Allow the truck to sit for three to four hours. Open the hood to allow the engine to cool faster.

  • Look over the coolant levels in your cooling system while the hood is open. The coolant will be labeled on the tank. This is located on the left side of the engine. Look for the fill lines on the coolant tanks and make sure that you have enough coolant in the system.

  • Use a funnel to pour more coolant into the tank. Coolant can be purchased at auto shops or your local grocery store. Make sure that you get the 50/50 coolant mixture. If you don't have access to any coolant, you can use distilled water in the meantime.

  • Look underneath the truck for any leaks. This could be coming from your truck's water pump. Have a professional replace the water pump, as this is a very complicated procedure.