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  #1  
Old 04-27-2016, 06:11 AM
BenRanger4.0 BenRanger4.0 is offline
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Default Help!!! Overheating bad!

My 92 ranger 4.0 is over heating and I have no idea why. It's like when it idles all the pressure builds up and all the antifreeze goes through the hose to the overflow. And then yesterday, I turned it off after driving, and it was steaming from the overflow and my radiator and overflow was bone dry! I feel like there is either a block in the hose because the water is rusty looking, so I don't know. But we also thought it was the radiator cap because it's not air tight, it could be the thermostat, or the cap, and even worse a head gasket about to go out. Help!!

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Please someone get back to me soon!
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Old 04-27-2016, 06:31 AM
Ranger Danger 1998 Ranger Danger 1998 is offline
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Default Re: Help!!! Overheating bad!

Quote:
Originally Posted by BenRanger4.0 View Post
My 92 ranger 4.0 is over heating and I have no idea why. It's like when it idles all the pressure builds up and all the antifreeze goes through the hose to the overflow. And then yesterday, I turned it off after driving, and it was steaming from the overflow and my radiator and overflow was bone dry! I feel like there is either a block in the hose because the water is rusty looking, so I don't know. But we also thought it was the radiator cap because it's not air tight, it could be the thermostat, or the cap, and even worse a head gasket about to go out. Help!!

----------

Please someone get back to me soon!
I would get a new t stat.
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  #3  
Old 04-27-2016, 06:38 AM
2wdedge 2wdedge is offline
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Default

I had a similar problem with a 5.0 mustang I had a few years ago, it started overheating one day while idling , and coolant was being forced out of the overflow , luckily it was only a stuck thermostat. Try changing the thermostat and also change the radiator cap. Hopefully it's something simple like that
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Last edited by 2wdedge; 04-27-2016 at 06:53 AM.
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  #4  
Old 04-27-2016, 07:15 AM
dvrich dvrich is offline
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Default Re: Help!!! Overheating bad!

Quote:
Originally Posted by BenRanger4.0 View Post
My 92 ranger 4.0 is over heating and I have no idea why. It's like when it idles all the pressure builds up and all the antifreeze goes through the hose to the overflow. And then yesterday, I turned it off after driving, and it was steaming from the overflow and my radiator and overflow was bone dry! I feel like there is either a block in the hose because the water is rusty looking, so I don't know. But we also thought it was the radiator cap because it's not air tight, it could be the thermostat, or the cap, and even worse a head gasket about to go out. Help!!

----------

Please someone get back to me soon!

25 year old Ranger, it could be a number of things.

1) bad Tstat
2) Rotted out water pump impeller.
3) Partially clogged radiator.
4) air flow problem through the radiator(bugs, debris).....or bad clutch fan.

The chance of the problem being a clogged hose are slim to none.
To let the coolant get to the point of being discolored is shameful.

Last edited by dvrich; 04-27-2016 at 07:22 AM.
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  #5  
Old 04-27-2016, 07:24 AM
EaOutlaw1969 EaOutlaw1969 is offline
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Default Re: Help!!! Overheating bad!

The rust contaminated coolant-antifreeze is a sign of a neglected cooling system.

Before you start spending money on this problem, get a pressure tester with the correct adapter if needed to connect to your radiator or overflow tank depending on where the pressure cap is.

On my 2002 2.3 the pressure cap is on the tank.

The pressure tester can be picked up as a loaner from most auto parts stores. you get you money back once you return the tool.

Pressure test the cooling system while the engine is cool to the touch and the cooling system is completely full.

Make sure to pressurize the system to the PSi indicated on the pressure cap.

If you do not have a leak you will see the pressure rise on the tester gauge to the desired PSI it should hold this pressure until you purge the pressure with the tester.

While the system is under pressure use a flash light and mirror and inspect the entire cooling system for leaks. make sure to use the mirror to inspect the weep hole on the bottom of the water pump, and check all the hoses.

If you have a leak it should be fairly obvious.

Also check the engine oil it should not look like chocolate milk.

Once your sure you have no leaks and the system holds pressure. you will want to remove the old thermostat and test it.

With water heating up in a pot and a temperature gauge in the water you should see the thermostat open at the rated temperature normally stamped on the thermostat.

You only testing it to know if the thermostat is part of the problem, you may have to look elsewhere for the problem. yet do not put the old thermostat back in the engine. working or not it is best to replace it while it is out.

With the thermostat removed this is a good time to flush the cooling system with fresh water flushing the radiator and engine.

Make sure to drain the system completely and fill with the correct mixture of coolant-antifreeze and distilled water.

Fill the system with the thermostat still off to just below the level of where the thermostat sits.

Then install a new thermostat and gasket or o-ring if needed, if you replace it make sure it has a jiggle pin or a bleed notch. either will allow the trapped air to escape so you can completely fill the cooling system without starting risking overheating the engine while waiting on the thermostat to open.

If your truck has a mechanical fan make sure to test the fan clutch. if it is old or original equipment replace it. fan clutches loose RPM every year they are in use.

If you need help checking the fan clutch just ask.
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  #6  
Old 04-28-2016, 05:43 PM
06B4000 06B4000 is offline
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Default Re: Help!!! Overheating bad!

When the truck is cold, does it take time to build up pressure or is it pretty instant? If you leave the radiator cap off and start the engine, does coolant shoot out of the radiator?

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