1998 Ranger Overheated
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Las Vegas
1998 Ranger Overheated
FIrst let me start off by saying HI to all, because I am a new member to this forum. I recently purchased a 98 ranger (XLT Supercab 4X4 V6 4.0 Auto) from a friend of mine. My friend was upfront and said that occasionally an electrical system problem (ghost) manifests itself by the ac coming to a stop, the turn signal not working, and the seatbelt sound going off, he also showed me that the engine temp quage appeared to be out and that the check quage light would occassionally come on. Although I am yet to see the electrical ghost, I have noticed the Temp guage is not working, and the other day while driving I had started to hear a weird sound ( a quiet patapata pata ) when accelerating, and immediatly after that my check guage light came on, the temp gauge pegged, and the truck died. Put on the hazards, opened the hood and saw that the coolant was boiling and bubbling out of the coolant container spilling all over the road. pushed the truck to gas station, picked up a few hours later, started with no problem and drove it home. I have left it parked since, and would like to get it fixed, but I can not pin point the problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks - Mranger-
Thanks - Mranger-
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 3
From: California Desert
Welcome to FTE, muddyranger66!
There are multiple causes for an overheating engine. The most common of which would be a bad thermostat, or a plugged radiator. Hopefully it is just the thermostat, and hopefully you didn't crack the heads/blow a head gasket.
There are multiple causes for an overheating engine. The most common of which would be a bad thermostat, or a plugged radiator. Hopefully it is just the thermostat, and hopefully you didn't crack the heads/blow a head gasket.
Last edited by maticuno; Mar 19, 2004 at 10:22 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!
Fist thing to do is change your T-Stat. While you are at it, replace the Temperature Sending Unit, it's located right next to the T-Stat housing on your engine.
Fist thing to do is change your T-Stat. While you are at it, replace the Temperature Sending Unit, it's located right next to the T-Stat housing on your engine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Also, since your CEL came on, you need to pull the codes from your truck's computer. Many autoparts places such as AutoZone will pull them for free. Just make sure you don't run your truck hot again trying to make it over there. That is why you ought to replace the T-Stat and Sending Unit first, so you know what temperature your engine is at ALL times.
