I would like to know what the normal operating temperature for my 1995 2.3L Ford Ranger would be. I'm also interested in what temperature is considered overheating for my truck. My temp gauge does not work and has a mechanical gauge installed. I usually run near 215 degrees Farenheit.

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1995 Ranger 2.3L, 5 speed manual trans.

hmmm ... i guess i just assumed that lima engines like yours & mine are designed to run near 192F. but i bet 215 is 'acceptable' for the summer lol

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1999 xlt 2.5l 5-speed Supercab 159k
83 diesel 2.2l na
06 F250 6.0l psd
{click for lol}

My 4.0 runs about 188-192F

Sent from my iPhone 5 so I can tell you to search wherever I may be

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2017 Lightning Blue Mustang GT PP 430/402
CJ Pony Parts Lowering Springs | Texas Speed Longtubes | PMAS CAI | Lund Tuned | Borla S-Type Catback
2013 F150 FX4 5.0 - Sold
1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0 5spd - Sold
2001 Mustang Bullitt - Sold
2005 Level II - Sold
2001 Integra GSR - Sold
1999 XLT - May 2013 TOTM - Totaled

They are supposed to use a 190 deg thermostat.

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My 93 OE thermostat was 192. I found a 195 on Rockauto.com and installed it. About a year ago my radiator cracked, installed a new one and the 195 thermostat. Since I've been driving almost 200 miles a day for the last month and a half I've noticed the truck will hardly get to proper operating temp, and the performance has suffered, so I run a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator and it does great. The 2.3 runs better over 200. I found a website showing how to take a stock 2.3 thermostat and a generic 205 and make a 205 to fit the 2.3.

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93 XLT 2.3L 5sp 2wd 365,500 miles
03 F350 King Ranch DRW CC 4x4 6.0L 151,000 miles
13 Taurus SEL 3.5L

I use a 160º failsafe in my 96 2.3 factory fan and never have issues. And I'm in the 110 degree Mississippi delta with the AC on max.