94 ranger keeps blowing holes in radiator
Hi, I have a 1994 Ranger, 4.0L V6, auto transmission. I have put 3 radiators in it in the past couple of years...they keep getting holes blown in them. Read below:
Symptoms:
Radiator was about half empty (the one that was in it when I bought it).
The temperature gauge fluctuates from cool (around C) to hotter than normal but not all the way to H...about the "a" or "l" of the word "normal" on the gauge.
The truck has surprisingly never overheated...comes close but then the gauge goes back down to cool. It doesn't flap around erratically like a bad gauge.
Sometimes, probably more often in cold weather, when I stop at a stop sign or when I cut the engine off, I can hear a gulping sound as if air is bouncing around in the heater core.
No white smoke from tail pipe when the truck is started.
No strange running noises.
Attempted fixes:
New heater core, water pump, freeze plugs, head gasket "set" (I think the set included two other gaskets), thermostat.
Heads were "resurfaced".
I'm on the 3rd new radiator.
Carbon fiber stop leak: "Head gasket and cooling sealant", brand "Bar's Leaks"
Pressure check on system showed "OK" according to person who did it.
Most recent diagnosis:
Probably a cracked cylinder or something around the cylinder..cylinder sleeve/jacket (?)..I'm not a mechanic. This was based on all of the attempted fixes and that it has been blowing holes in the radiator(s). Sitting parked or local driving may not show too much problem but when it gets hot like in highway driving it may be opening up a crack and letting air in and when it can't get out it finds the weakest point (radiator). It usually takes a while for the radiator to be damaged. In other words, it doesn't happen the first time I run it after installing the radiator. Basically, the truck is dead and I should get rid of it unless I want to have a new engine put in it.
Conclusion:
Has anyone run into this before? Any ideas?
To drive this truck, other than the temp gauge showing weird activity, you would never know there was anything wrong with it. It runs fine. I'm ready to get rid of it unless someone here may know more.
Thanks for any help you can give!!
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1994 Ford Ranger, 4.0 L V6, XLT ext cab, 2WD, Auto transmission
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