Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts!

Go Back   Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! > > >
Forgot Password? Join Us!

Welcome to Ford Ranger Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread

  #1  
Old 01-25-2013, 09:01 AM
hamfisted hamfisted is offline
Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 26
Question Plugged Radiator?

Howdy- I'm having an overheating situation with the 99 3.0 Ranger. I've chemically flushed/backflushed the system (was really crappy, truck was stored for 5 years with apparently no anti-freeze, but in warm climate so no freezing) a few times, took it for the first "long" drive yesterday, and it started overheating when climbing a grade or coming off the freeway. Took it to a shop for another flush, looked like the Mississippi River gushing out of the radiator when the cap was removed (looked clean after my last flush). Mechanic said there was so much pressure/blockage he didn't want to change the fluid, fearing responsibility I guess.

So, my plan is, when I get a few days of above-freezing weather, to flush the system a few more times. But, I'm wondering if I have a plugged, or mung-obstructed radiator?... if so I probably should do the replacement at the same time I re-flush everything. BTW, I did replace the thermostat when I flushed it.

Is there a "home" test for blocked radiator I can perform? A flow test?

BTW, mechanic said that the water pump wouldn't be at fault, as the problem is too much pressure, indicating it is circulating water. I kinda wonder about that, have heard about the rusty vanes problem...

But I'd like to figure out if the radiator should be replaced. Any advice...outside of "take it to the dealer"... would be appreciated!
__________________
99 Ranger XLT 3.0 Flex 4x4

Last edited by hamfisted; 01-25-2013 at 09:07 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 01-25-2013, 09:08 AM
Prages Prages is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,574
Default Re: Plugged Radiator?

Don't really know how to test the old radiator. You can get a new one for about $150 though.
__________________
2000 Ford Ranger XLT
Extended Cab
3.0 Flex
4x4
Manual Transmission
Offroad Package
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 01-25-2013, 09:35 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,268
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by hamfisted View Post
Howdy- I'm having an overheating situation with the 99 3.0 Ranger. I've chemically flushed/backflushed the system (was really crappy, truck was stored for 5 years with apparently no anti-freeze, but in warm climate so no freezing) a few times, took it for the first "long" drive yesterday, and it started overheating when climbing a grade or coming off the freeway. Took it to a shop for another flush, looked like the Mississippi River gushing out of the radiator when the cap was removed (looked clean after my last flush). Mechanic said there was so much pressure/blockage he didn't want to change the fluid, fearing responsibility I guess.

So, my plan is, when I get a few days of above-freezing weather, to flush the system a few more times. But, I'm wondering if I have a plugged, or mung-obstructed radiator?... if so I probably should do the replacement at the same time I re-flush everything. BTW, I did replace the thermostat when I flushed it.

Is there a "home" test for blocked radiator I can perform? A flow test?

BTW, mechanic said that the water pump wouldn't be at fault, as the problem is too much pressure, indicating it is circulating water. I kinda wonder about that, have heard about the rusty vanes problem...

But I'd like to figure out if the radiator should be replaced. Any advice...outside of "take it to the dealer"... would be appreciated!
What thermostat did you use? Did it have a bleeder?

SFDROIDBIONICUT2

----------

Do you gave a 5 speed or an auto?

SFDROIDBIONICUT2
__________________
2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 01-25-2013, 09:40 AM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
Blinded by the light
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,674
Send a message via AIM to FireRanger
Default Re: Plugged Radiator?

Your water pump is probably also rotted out to nothing but a spinning disc of metal. So I would replace both the pump and the radiator.
__________________
(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
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 01-25-2013, 10:12 AM
hamfisted hamfisted is offline
Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 26
Default Re: Plugged Radiator?

ModelA, it was a mid-range Auto Zone thermostat, I don't remember a bleeder...? Truck is an automatic.

FireRanger, as you can probably tell, I am wondering about the WP also.... but if it was rotted away, wouldn't my problem be the opposite, too little pressure?... as opposed to what I have, way too much pressure?

I'd sure prefer to tackle one replacement at a time, starting with the radiator if needed. If not, then start with the pump... that's why I'm asking about testing the radiator. If I can't do a home test, guess the best bet would be to take the radiator for a rod-out and have a shop tell me?
__________________
99 Ranger XLT 3.0 Flex 4x4
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 01-25-2013, 10:57 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,268
Default

If sound like you might be over complicating this. Remember KISS. To change the WP the Rad comes out. You have an Auto so you have to deal with the Tranny lines. Ford is going to charge you $120 to tell you a new rad and WP are $700. Rocjauto will ship you the stuff for $160 and the fix will take 2 hours. Wait till it warms up and replace the rad and WP, make sure you have a bleeder in the tstat at 12:00 and I would at least replace the heated hoses. They are only 5/8" abd with all your crap they could be partially clogged.

You are in CA so you should not have a rust issue. The truck did not get used for 5 years so maybe mileage is reasonable. You don't want to blow a head gasket because you were frivolous.
SFDROIDBIONICUT2

----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by hamfisted View Post
If I can't do a home test, guess the best bet would be to take the radiator for a rod-out and have a shop tell me?
What is a rod-out?

I don't know of testing for a DIY clogged rad other then removing the bottom hose, flushing it and seeing if water is coming out.

SFDROIDBIONICUT2

----------

Fyi: when removing the rad you can disconnect the rubber transmission hose from the metal nipple and take the rad out.

SFDROIDBIONICUT2
__________________
2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Last edited by modelageek; 01-25-2013 at 10:55 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 01-25-2013, 11:05 AM
hamfisted hamfisted is offline
Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 26
Default Re: Plugged Radiator?

Ha-ha, sometimes my trying to keep it simple DOES complicate things, guilty as charged! Yet I still plug away at it...

Rod-out... old radiator shop (remember them?) term for literally running a rod down each of the radiator tubes to clean out the mung/rust.

Truck has 93K miles, but definitely has cooling system rust.

I believe that I can check the water pump function by looking in the radiator top and seeing if water flow increases from the tubes when I accelerate... unless the tubes are blocked. Catch 22. But it should be pretty easy to replace the radiator, and not very easy to do the water pump (for me, anyway). So I still would like to start with the radiator... if there is a way to test it.

Heater hoses are clear, checked them when I installed the back-flush system on original flushing.

Can you explain to me the bleeder in the thermostat? Can't see how it would do any good once it is enclosed in the housing...? Thanks!
__________________
99 Ranger XLT 3.0 Flex 4x4

Last edited by hamfisted; 01-25-2013 at 11:09 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 01-25-2013, 11:18 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,268
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by hamfisted View Post

Can you explain to me the bleeder in the thermostat? Can't see how it would do any good once it is enclosed in the housing...? Thanks!
the proper tstat will have a 1/16" hole in the body if it. Some might have a jiggle valve. A jiggle valve covers up the hole when it is not bleeding fluid . The bleeder goes at 12:00. The highest level of the coolant. The bleeder helps get air out if the system. Air pockets can cause over heating. I think if you have an airpocket it keeps coolant away from the tstat and it does not open even though the engine is hot

SFDROIDBIONICUT2
__________________
2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Last edited by modelageek; 01-25-2013 at 11:21 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 01-25-2013, 11:28 AM
hamfisted hamfisted is offline
Liking the Ford Ranger Forum
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 26
Default Re: Plugged Radiator?

I just checked with AutoZone, the t-stat I used has the bleeder hole. It is definitely opening, at least initially.
__________________
99 Ranger XLT 3.0 Flex 4x4
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 01-25-2013, 11:45 AM
modelageek modelageek is offline
Ford Ranger Driver
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,268
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by hamfisted View Post
I just checked with AutoZone, the t-stat I used has the bleeder hole. It is definitely opening, at least initially.
Great. ... in the end you need to do what works for you. Let's see if Fireranger comes back and has any thoughts.

SFDROIDBIONICUT2
__________________
2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Last edited by modelageek; 01-25-2013 at 11:54 AM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Have trailer harness, but no lights when plugged in. 02EdgeWPG Exterior Tech 6 07-05-2011 08:45 PM
heater core plugged? donmac07 3.0 Vulcan Tech 5 06-14-2011 11:43 AM
2003 4.0L plugged cat Sloan 4.0 SOHC / 4.0 OHV Tech 10 04-09-2011 04:42 AM
CB radio plugged into cig lighter - ground question tomogden Electrical Tech 12 08-29-2010 11:18 AM
3.0 radiator Fordfan444 3.0 Vulcan Tech 2 08-15-2010 02:30 PM