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  #1  
Old 12-23-2010, 08:45 AM
Bern Bern is offline
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Default Temp Gauge on C, Anti-Freeze smell outside and engine light on

Just joined yesterday looking to get some help with my new-to-me 1997 ranger…last night the issue seems to have gotten worse.

1997 Ranger XLT Extended Cab 4.0L 4x4 Automatic
91000 miles

Don't know if this means anything but...About 3 days after getting the truck I filled the gas tank…maybe a little too full. The engine light came on. I waited until the tank was about ˝ empty then disconnected the battery to reset. The light went out and stayed out until last night.

I had to run out to a job site the last couple of days, it is about 40 miles one way. When I got out of the truck I could smell Anti-Freeze. I searched but the overflow tank was at the correct level and the radiator was full (checked after cool down) and there was no puddle under the truck. I checked the oil dip stick and there was no Anti-Freeze in the oil…just had that changed right after I bought the truck.

The engine temp gauge has never gone above the C mark (except once) since I bought it but I do get good heat. A few mornings ago I pulled up to my office before heading out to the job site and I let the truck idle while I was inside ~about 10 or 15 minutes. When I came back out, the temp gauge was in the normal range but on the low end. As soon as I started driving again the gauge dropped to C again but I still had good heat. So last night I ran out to finish up some Christmas shopping and can smell Anti-Freeze every time I get out of the truck…then the engine light came back on. I don’t smell anything while driving and there is no Anti-Freeze clouds coming out of the exhaust.

I thought maybe the thermostat but I don’t understand the smell or engine light…maybe they are not related. Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it. I may try to repair it myself but in reality I will probably bring it to a garage to get serviced but I would like to have some knowledge so I sound like I know what I am talking about to prevent any un-necessary “work” being required.

Thanks,
Bernie
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Old 12-23-2010, 09:04 AM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Temp Gauge on C, Anti-Freeze smell outside and engine light on

IF the t-stat is stuck open, it would prevent the engine from reaching proper operating temperature. That would keep the gauge down. It also prevents the engine from working at peak efficiency which could certainly cause a situation that would trip the light.

Look around the water pump. There is a weep hole that will leak when seals and bearings start to get worn out.
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Old 12-23-2010, 10:03 AM
Bern Bern is offline
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Default Re: Temp Gauge on C, Anti-Freeze smell outside and engine light on

OK on the thermostat...I kinda figured that would be in the mix. How difficult of a job is it to change on the Ranger. Did one a long time ago on an old Mopar 318 engine and that was a breeze.

If it is leaking out of a weep hole I should be able to find a wet spot...so far no joy. Maybe over the weekend I can pull my wife's 66 Mustang out of the garage and get this over the pit to check it from underneath...Maybe then I will be able to see something.

Thanks...Bernie
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Old 12-23-2010, 11:21 AM
Bern Bern is offline
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Default Re: Temp Gauge on C, Anti-Freeze smell outside and engine light on

Just had a thought...is there a How-To on the forum for changing the t-stat? Just thinking...I'll have to do a search later.

Bernie
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Old 12-27-2010, 05:56 AM
Bern Bern is offline
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Default Re: Temp Gauge on C, Anti-Freeze smell outside and engine light on

Well...changed the t-stat yesterday. Easy...sitting right up front just like on my older cars. Now the temp gauge reads correctly and I have a bunch more heat.

Now the next issues to address...I still get some exterior Anti-Freeze smell after running for a while. Couldn't find any leaks while checking everything yesterday so I still don't have a good handle on that.

Also, had 2 codes. A P1443 code which was listed as an OEM code and a P0401 code as an EGT?? sensor. Cleared both to see if the stuck t-stat had anything to do with this. Drove it this morning in the blizzard and no codes so maybe I'm on to something.

Bernie
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