Notices
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series All Ford Ranger and Mazda B-Series models

Cooling issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 27, 2014 | 09:02 AM
  #1  
MichaelKnight's Avatar
MichaelKnight
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: FL
Cooling issues

Hello everyone. Starting yesterday I noticed some cooling problems with my Ranger. I had a very sudden temperature spike (almost to overheat on the dash) and then it very suddenly went back down to normal. Is this a sign that something like my thermostat is going? I did have the water pump replaced before I left New Mexico for Jacksonville, Florida to start law school. I also noticed that my temperature has been fluctuating more than it did before I had the pump replaced (I have a scan gauge II). I'm hoping to get into a dealership to have them take a look at the whole cooling system for me this weekend. Thanks for the advice.
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2014 | 10:09 AM
  #2  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by MichaelKnight
Hello everyone. Starting yesterday I noticed some cooling problems with my Ranger. I had a very sudden temperature spike (almost to overheat on the dash) and then it very suddenly went back down to normal. Is this a sign that something like my thermostat is going? I did have the water pump replaced before I left New Mexico for Jacksonville, Florida to start law school. I also noticed that my temperature has been fluctuating more than it did before I had the pump replaced (I have a scan gauge II). I'm hoping to get into a dealership to have them take a look at the whole cooling system for me this weekend. Thanks for the advice.
Well maybe on the thermostat. Was it replaced back in 013 when you & your Dad replaced the thermostat housing????
What kind of shape was the coolant & cooling system in when you worked on it back then & how does the coolant look now????
What were you doing when you noticed the temp spike????

BTW, it would be helpful to those offering trouble shooting thoughts if you'd add your Rangers particulars in your signature, or post, so we know what engine, tranny, differential, brakes, ect you have.
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2014 | 11:39 AM
  #3  
MichaelKnight's Avatar
MichaelKnight
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: FL
When I noticed the spike I was just driving from my apartment to Target. And when I changed the housing everything looked good.
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2014 | 12:10 PM
  #4  
Rockledge's Avatar
Rockledge
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
How long ago was the WP replaced? Maybe there's still air in the system...
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2014 | 12:14 PM
  #5  
MichaelKnight's Avatar
MichaelKnight
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: FL
I would say around 4 to 5 weeks.
 
Reply
Old Aug 27, 2014 | 12:14 PM
  #6  
pawpaw's Avatar
pawpaw
Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
Likes: 111
From: SW Va
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by MichaelKnight
When I noticed the spike I was just driving from my apartment to Target. And when I changed the housing everything looked good.
So, does that mean you didn't change the OEM 6 year old thermostat while you were in there???? If not, then it belongs on your suspect list imo.

Since the cooling system innards looked ok, have you been hearing any untoward noise from the cooling fan clutch, or fan belt. Does the serp belt look ok & the tensioner range marks indicate belt tension is within range????

Have you ever replaced the radiator cap, or had it checked to see if its ok & holding pressure within range & its gasket sealing surface is undamaged????
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Connecticut Calvin
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Aug 11, 2016 04:30 PM
Raleigh234
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
4
Nov 17, 2015 06:43 AM
Leggeman01
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jul 6, 2015 06:40 PM
waldreps
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
6
Sep 18, 2006 11:33 AM
Elendil
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation & A/C
2
Apr 2, 2003 02:51 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:16 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE