93 explorer temperature driving me crazy
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: NJ
93 explorer temperature driving me crazy
I have a 93 explorer with 156K miles. For the past two months I have been trying to solve a temperature problem. The gauge fluctuates quite a bit and the temperature level is generally lower than it should be. I also have low heat in the cabin. I've changed the thermostat two times and the temperature sensor once with no change to the behavior. I did notice today that one of the heater core hoses runs cold while the other is hot. Could all of my problems be caused by a blocked heater core? Please give me your suggestions.
Thanks,
Rob
Thanks,
Rob
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Junior User
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From: NJ
Well, today I removed the heater core. There was some stuff in it that would have seriously hampered the flow of coolant. After putting it in, I certainly fixed the heat in the cabin problem. Now I just have to see if the fluctuating temperature on the gauge goes away.
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Junior User
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From: NJ
I think the problem is fixed. If so, all along it must have been a clogged heater core. As an engineer, I just don't see how a clogged heater would cause the engine temperature to fluctuate as much as it did. But, that has to be it because changing the thermostat and gauge sensor didn't do it. I drove the truck to work today. I had heat and the engine temperature was quite stable!
Thanks,
Rob
Thanks,
Rob
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: fairbanks usa
when the thermostat is closed the coolant circulates within the block and heatercore the thermostat has a bit of a transition of a few degrees between completely opening and closing, once it's completely open the cold coolant in the radiator is imediately sucked up into the hot engine block and the cycle continues. the heater core is just a small heat exchanger(radiator) that keeps the temperature more stable by removing heat at a fairly constant rate a little higher with closed thermostat and lower when it's open due to the pressure drop when opening and closing the thermostat. sorry about all this i'm an engineer too. glad to hear you gotter fixed
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From: NJ
Hey, thanks. Your explanation makes sense. Now if I can just get the ping to go away.... (I've read up on that subject hear and plan to try to decarbonize the intake. Started pinging about two years ago. I switched to super and the pinging went away. It recently started to ping on occasion, even with super gas.)
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From: fairbanks usa
looks like you solved it!! don't use the cheap stuff!! i'd say your on th right track i've heard of people adding a little kerosine or diesel in the tank to loosen carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. you could try running plugs 1 or 2 heat ranges lower. and you may have a bad knock sensor(more likely than not). good luck makin her run like new
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: UT
...you may have a bad knock sensor(more likely than not)...
If decarboning the cylinders doesn't get the ping to go away, try cleaning the MAF, tightening the lower intake manifold bolts, and check for other vacuum leaks. Those are the other common causes of "ping" on the 4.0 OHV.