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Hi guys I just bought a 2.9 Ranger 1986 and it looks like my coolant reservoir is empty but I see no problem when driving, should I add more coolant in the radiator cap? I see the coolant reservoir and it looks like its been empty for a long time. What should I do? Thanks
Usually there are “min” and “max” fill lines molded into the coolant reservoir itself; sometimes hard to see.
The “max” is usually an inch or so below the cap (so don’t fill it yo the very top; leave some room)
May want to put a new pressure cap on the reservoir too; they’re only about $10 at any auto parts store.
Thanks! I really appreciate that man, one last question, is it dangerous to add the coolant, and drive it it without the pressure cap on the reservoir!? (Again sorry 4 my silly questions) I love this truck and I don’t want to make it bad.
Also can I buy the pressure cap for the 1986 reservoir? It looks like nothing I ever see before, it is like a small plug. Thanks for your help guys.
the pressure cap is normally on the radiator not the resevoir except for late model vehicles. fill the rad 1st then top off the resevoir so that the vacumm that is created after runniong can actually top off the line and whatever the rad needs to be full. Again watch for leaks out of the resevoir as they are only plastic and they do age and break.
the pressure cap is normally on the radiator not the resevoir except for late model vehicles. fill the rad 1st then top off the resevoir so that the vacumm that is created after runniong can actually top off the line and whatever the rad needs to be full. Again watch for leaks out of the resevoir as they are only plastic and they do age and break.
good point.....it’s been so long since I’ve seen a separate radiator cap on the actual radiator in a vehicle, I didn’t even think of that.
OP - I wouldn’t drive with a cap missing just in case something gets inside.
if it were me, i’d either google the part numbers on the reservoir tank since you still have the motorcraft label or, since nothing will probably come up in the google search, stop by a Ford dealer and see if they can find a replacement part.
You’ll probably have to replace the whole reservoir versus finding just a new cap or hose. I guess if the cap isn’t pressurized, any cap will work though.
go to a salvage yard and look for another resevoir. I dont see the cap for the radiator or the hose that connects to the radiator. you could fabricate one if need be by getting a piece of hose that will fit the hole and then connecting with another hose that will fit the radiator hookup just below the cap. If you go this route just make sure the hose in the resevoir fits to the bottom of the thing. but then another problem is that there is no fill point to the resevoir!
Hey guys I just took more pictures of it, it seems like the rubber hose who goes from the reservoir to the nipple is underneath the reservoir. I took more photos. Also I think I was not clear but I do have my radiator cap the only thing that Im missing is that hole in a circle shape. Take a look and thanks for helping this useless noob. You can see the rubber hose there! Thanks
i didn’t realize it, but the left hand side of the reservoir (with the cap) is evidently the windshield washer fluid tank. The other side is for coolant.
