Hi there,
Just bought a 2002 Ranger yesterday and (classic story) was driving it home after title transfer and it started overheating badly in traffic when slow and/or idling (temp needle jumping quickly toward the red). By the time I got it moving the temp went back down considerably so I decided to get it home. This fluctuation happened a few times, but the majority of the 20 min ride it was at a moderate temp.
Later at home I checked and discovered that the coolant in radiator was very low so I added about 6 cups of water. Coolant overflow tank was about half full the whole time, btw. Took it for a spin and the temp stayed normal while running, idling, low rpm, etc. Another spin later at night had same result.
My car knowledge is limited, obviously, so I have 2 questions:
1. Does this sound like low coolant, a clogged radiator, thermostat, something more serious? No white smoke out of exhaust or anything like that.
2. Is it likely that I damaged the engine allowing it to overheat as I did?

Thanks very much!

P.S. The oil gauge was also going berserk when braking (needle back and forth very quickly and hitting both top and bottom) during this episode, but hasn't happened again. Maybe related to the overheating in some way?

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2002 v6 3.0 Automatic
Regular Cab
61,000 miles

If the radiator was low, and the overflow tank was ok with fluid, check the over flow hose, it might have a hole, or be loose at the rad fitting.

Update if anyone is interested:

The leak was from the timing cover gasket... apparently fairly common on these trucks?

Bummer.

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2002 v6 3.0 Automatic
Regular Cab
61,000 miles

The truck is 17 years old so anything is possible at that age.

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Too true. Now I'm hoping for the possibility of no problems for a while.

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2002 v6 3.0 Automatic
Regular Cab
61,000 miles