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-   -   2.3L Coolant Issues (http://www.fordrangerforum.com/4-cylinder-tech/48844-2-3l-coolant-issues.html)

dalebradford 12-11-2011 02:04 PM

2.3L Coolant Issues
 
I have a 1986 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4 cyl. I just tore apart the coolant system due to the fact that the coolant gauage wasn't reading, however when we pulled the sensor, and warmed it up with a torch the gauge started to read, there is good ground all ready where the senesor screws into the block.... we eplaced the water inlet, t-stat, and the heat tubing... We also blew out the heater core, and flushed the radiator.. Still the gauge doesn't read, adn I get warm air at best out of the vents. I put it back together like it was taken apart.. however the own prior to me was not a very good mechanic... Do you know where i might find the coolant flow diagram to make sure i have the heater core hooked up correctly, etc.

Thanks
Dale

FireRanger 12-11-2011 05:10 PM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
Based on your engine being a 4-banger, it is likely your water pump impeller is rotted out. The gauge sender and heater core are at the end of a very long and high push. When the pump rots out, the design of the 4cyl cooling system prevents circulation from reaching the heater core and the gauge sender. Your symptoms are classic.

Run through the no heat troubleshooting guide I made and I suspect it will lead you right there.
>>> http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...ing-guide.html <<<

tbirdsps 12-12-2011 07:35 AM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
1. A water pump with a rotted impeller would cause overheating.

I had the same problem. The gasket that seals the thermostat to the top of the t-stat housing was bad allowing the coolant to bypass the thermostat. Now I have heat and the gage comes off the cold mark.

On the 2.3 and I would imagine the 2.5 would be the same the t-stat has to have a seal.

FireRanger 12-12-2011 08:07 AM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by tbirdsps (Post 668170)
1. A water pump with a rotted impeller would cause overheating.

Negative. On the 4cyl's, the impeller rotting out presents itself exactly as I described. If the impeller was completely gone, it would cause overheating. But it rarely gets that far due to the other symptoms that present while it is only partially rotted away (no heat and low temp reading).

tbirdsps 12-12-2011 08:20 AM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by FireRanger (Post 668198)
Negative. On the 4cyl's, the impeller rotting out presents itself exactly as I described. If the impeller was completely gone, it would cause overheating. But it rarely gets that far due to the other symptoms that present while it is only partially rotted away (no heat and low temp reading).

OK. I've never had the problem so I'll accept it but why? Does it move too much water when corroded? e.g. overcooling?

FireRanger 12-12-2011 11:21 AM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by tbirdsps (Post 668207)
OK. I've never had the problem so I'll accept it but why? Does it move too much water when corroded? e.g. overcooling?

No, it can't push it far and high enough to reach the heater core and temp sender. It circulates around the block to cool the engine fine still but the far and high reaches of the system don't get circulation.

dalebradford 12-12-2011 02:33 PM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
Thank you both for your input. I just want to be clear.. So it doesn't matter which side of the heater core is hooked up to the water pump, and or the water inlet? I though this had something to do with it... is there away to see if the impeller is gone without tearing it all apart?

FireRanger 12-12-2011 02:52 PM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
I don't think it matters. Usually in is on the left and out is on the right I think, but I don't see how it would matter. The only way to tell with the pump is to remove it. I know, sucks.

tbirdsps 12-12-2011 03:13 PM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by dalebradford (Post 668568)
Thank you both for your input. I just want to be clear.. So it doesn't matter which side of the heater core is hooked up to the water pump, and or the water inlet? I though this had something to do with it... is there away to see if the impeller is gone without tearing it all apart?

On my 92 as you are looking at the firewall the pipe from the T-stat housing goes to the right and the hose from the water pump goes to the left. I don't see how it would make any difference though. Water will flow through the heater core either way.

dalebradford 12-21-2011 10:16 AM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
I pulled the water pump last night and the pump, and the impeller are fine.. so any other thoughts? I still need to reattach the fan (and i went ahead and put in the new wp I bought, also changed a tension-er pulley), so i wont be able to tell you which hoses are hot etc... until tomorrow sometime..

thanks
Dale

FireRanger 12-21-2011 10:51 AM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
Where does the troubleshooting chart lead you to?

dalebradford 12-22-2011 07:29 AM

Re: 2.3L Coolant Issues
 
It says the heater core... i guess air getting through it when i blew it out, is different from liquid trying to get through......


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