The oil on the dip stick looks right and bubble free. The overflow tank looks like a frat boy "upper decked it". I can usually detect a blown gasket, but this looks just like super dirty coolant. Is this what 2.9's do?

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92 STX - Red, Regular Cab, 2.9l Manual, 2" lift with 31" tires

It could just be dirty but I would get a "block tester" and check your radiator for the presence of exhaust gasses. Probably the best way to check. Probably a bad gasket though cause that looks very nasty. Do you check it regularly?

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Oh by the way I know nothing of 2.9l specifics

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1994 B3000 5spd, manual t-case, 3" body lift, 32x11.5 pro comp all terrains (not impressed), and that's about it.

Say what you want, I love my ttb AND my 3 litre...

looks like stop leak build up, or some one ran just water in it way too often causing it to rust.

either way, that is nasty.

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Twilight blue metallic clearcoat 1991 ford ranger super cab 4x4. 3.73 l/s 8.8, 31x10.50-15 tires 1.5 inch budget boost on front. Black everything, Zero chrome. 4.0 OHV 5 speed manual trans Sony Xplod head unit, two jvc 6x9s in boxes under seats in back, 300 watt amp with 12" infinity sub, Cobra 25 CB with 8 ft firestick mounted to toolbox.
build!

Yeah that just looks like a terribly neglected cooling system. If it shows no other signs of a bad head gasket I would flush the system really well and then monitor it after its clean.

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I've only had the truck for about a month. I inspected it in the dark and didn't check the coolant - won't make that mistake again.

I drove it 600 miles last weekend and check the coolant about 50 miles into the trip. It looked about the same then as it does now.

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92 STX - Red, Regular Cab, 2.9l Manual, 2" lift with 31" tires

The FireRanger concurs 100%. That isn't head gasket leakage. That is a cooling system that hasn't been flushed in many many years. Your to-do list:

- Flush the entire cooling system thoroughly. so all that brown shit is gone
- Rinse out the reserve tank and the hose connecting it
- Replace the radiator cap
- Pull the water pump to inspect it. I suspect the impeller is worn down to nearly nothing.

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide

that mung might be why my temp gauge doesn't seem to read. all this time I thought it was just running really cold on account of the weather.

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92 STX - Red, Regular Cab, 2.9l Manual, 2" lift with 31" tires

Maybe. Or more likely, your thermostat is stuck open due to the shit. Replace that too.

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(Formerly)
FireRanger
2003 Edge 4.0 4wd

How to: Aux light wiring, relays, & fuses
Info: 300+ intake threads here on FRF
Info: HID Projectors
How To: NO HEAT Troubleshooting Guide