3.0 overheating

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May 13, 2004 | 11:31 AM

wales2589

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3.0 overheating

Need some help. I have a 94 ranger 3.0 and have been having overheating problems. About 2 months ago after purchasing the truck i changed the radiatior and fluid after discovering it was a brown color. After that I countinued to have overheating problems. Noticed the thermostat was leaking and changed that. Still didn't fix the problem. Was talking to a mechanic about my problems and he said to change the fan clutch. So changed that and still hasn't fixed the overheating problem.

The temp runs on the A and L while driving then when sitting at a light the temp shoots up to 1/4" below the H. Any ideas on what should be looked at next. I noticed after changing the thermostat I added fluid and let the engine heat up with the radiator cap off. After about 5 minutes fluid started blowing or running out the radiator. Any ideas, maybe the water pump or do i have air in the lines???

Thanks!!

May 13, 2004 | 12:41 PM

Ken00

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From: South Jersey

Welcome to FTE!!!

The fluid coming out as it warmed up is normal, the coolant was expanding.

What you describe sounds like a bad fan clutch but I guess a water pump with a deteriorated impeller could cause your problem.

May 13, 2004 | 02:33 PM

Donald Rohret

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From: Rocky Mountains

Hey Ken.....I hope Wales2589 continues to keep us informed about his heating problem. There are so many elements that are involved and the solution will provide good information for future use. It does seem as long as there is good airflow thru the radiator, when his truck is moving, there is no problem. And your thoughts on the fan blade clutch or water pump impeller seem logical. What do you think of the Haynes system for checking the fan blade clutch? Do you think that radiator fluid coming out of the radiator opening is a sign that the thermostat is opening properly and the water pump is circulating the fluid okay? When I replaced my radiator, this was the method they had me use for filling the radiator to prevent air bubbles from forming. Look forward to hearing the resolution to his problem.

May 13, 2004 | 03:53 PM

87 XLT

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From: SoCal

As the engine warms up the coolant expands & flows into the overflow bottle. As it cools down the coolant flows out of the bottle & back into the radiator (unless there is a leak in the system) is this happening?

May 13, 2004 | 06:17 PM

Ken00

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From: South Jersey

I'm not familar with the Hayes manual. The fluid coming out is an indication of the thermostat opening but if the pump flow is low that might be causing the overheat at slow engine speed/ low air flow through the radiator.

May 14, 2004 | 08:46 AM

wales2589

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Thanks for the replies, i'll keep y'all posted about what i find when pulling the water pump out. Ken I have had others tell me that one or more of the impellers is probably the problem. It will be interesting to see if thats the cause. Thanks again and it will be till next weekend before i can change the water pump. Any tips on getting the fan clutch off. I had the fan clutch tool loaned from auto zone but it was the wrong size. Wound up taking it to a mechanic to change the fan clutch.