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  #1  
Old 02-21-2011, 01:46 PM
Brodie_laj Brodie_laj is offline
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Default Need help

Was driving home and it looks like the bolts for my rad cooler rusted away and it started dragging on the ground, I had it on cruise and the truck started revving really high but no acceleration, I pulled off the highway and the truck won't move anywhere, it just revs... There is oil coming out off the rad cooler, would that cause the truck to not move or could the problem be worse... Ive got someone coming to pick me up but I've got to find a mechanic to tow the truck to
Here is a pic
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Old 02-21-2011, 02:20 PM
terryduanemiller terryduanemiller is offline
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Default Re: Need help

trans cooler? or oil cooler? if its the trans probably pushed must of the fluid out
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  #3  
Old 02-21-2011, 02:23 PM
Brodie_laj Brodie_laj is offline
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Ya I think that's what it is... I'm pretty sure all the garages are closed today because of the long weekend (family day)
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  #4  
Old 02-21-2011, 02:29 PM
TerrenceStuart TerrenceStuart is offline
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Default Re: Need help

damn, that sucks. I never heard of a transmission cooler just breaking off like that.
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  #5  
Old 02-21-2011, 02:31 PM
turbo turbo is offline
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Default Re: Need help

there is no such part as a "rad cooler", unless you're talking about an insulated beverage container that is really, really neat.

the radiator is a device for keeping the engine cool, using water and anti-freeze circulating through the engine block and the radiator to transfer the heat away from the engine and dissipate it into the atmosphere through the cooling fins of the radiator.

a similar device is used to keep your transmission temperature in check -- instead of using separate channels within the transmission to circulate a water-based coolant, the actual transmission fluid is circulated through a smaller radiator device, transferring the heat away from the transmission. it is this radiator device that has apparently come unmounted from your truck, in the photo you posted. the consequent transmission fluid loss caused the transmission to become (significantly!) less efficient, and your engine was probably revving up in an effort to keep the cruise control happy and the vehicle moving at the selected speed.

at this point, I would recommend towing your truck to a garage (or home) and having a mechanic (or yourself) repair/replace the transmission cooler, then flush and fill the transmission fluid to make sure no contaminants are in the circulating fluid.
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2001 Ranger XLT 4.0L SOHC
Silver Frost w/ Dark Graphite interior


Modifications
Summit 3" Body Lift
31x10.50 A/T tires
Explorer overhead console
Explorer auto-dim mirror
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  #6  
Old 02-21-2011, 03:47 PM
Brodie_laj Brodie_laj is offline
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Ok I took the trans cooler off and joined the hose, and filled it with new trans fluid but it still won't engage into gear... Gonna get it towed tomorrow, nobody is open today
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more.. just ask
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  #7  
Old 02-23-2011, 04:20 PM
Brodie_laj Brodie_laj is offline
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Default Re: Need help

got the truck back today... im very happy to report that nothing bad happened to my transmission as a result of losing all the fluid down the highway.... For now i have bypassed the transmission cooler and the mechanic added 6 liters more of fluid and it runs like a champ... He said bypassing the cooler is ok because it is just a secondary one on the rangers and even then they are only really for if you are doing really heavy hauling or towing.


it end up costing me $343 for the tow and fluid but thats a lot better than a new transmission!
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2003 Ford Ranger XLT Ext. Cab
4.0L 2wd
3" Body Lift, 33" BFG A/T
Straight Pipe
more.. just ask
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  #8  
Old 02-23-2011, 04:22 PM
Clinton Clinton is offline
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Default Re: Need help

Thats good news man, not a bad deal!
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  #9  
Old 02-23-2011, 04:42 PM
STL STL is offline
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Default Re: Need help

Very cool

If you never do any heavy hauling I wouldn't ever worry about reinstalling it.
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  #10  
Old 02-23-2011, 06:04 PM
ben10 ben10 is offline
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Default Re: Need help

actually with his ride, being 2wd lifted on 33s i might consider it depending on how hot it gets in the summer...
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  #11  
Old 02-24-2011, 05:53 AM
turbo turbo is offline
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Default Re: Need help

hey... glad to hear you got the truck operational, again!
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2001 Ranger XLT 4.0L SOHC
Silver Frost w/ Dark Graphite interior


Modifications
Summit 3" Body Lift
31x10.50 A/T tires
Explorer overhead console
Explorer auto-dim mirror
Explorer auto-headlights
Aux1 & Aux2 inputs on factory AM/FM/CD/Cassette
Door-dinger silencer button
Seamless retractable roof and passenger-side ejection seat with steering wheel mounted controls and safety interlock
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