The phantom temperature gauge...
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
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The phantom temperature gauge...
Hi guys,
Here's an odd mystery.....
I've had my good old '90 Ranger for several years now and sh'e been a joy to drive.
When I first got her, the temperature gaugestayed way over to the left, just above the "C".
In the last several months, it now rides just about the middle, by the "R" in Normal, and even on the hottest days, it never ventures beyond the "M".
So this morning I pop the hood to check the juices, and notice that my overflow tank is bone dry.
I soon spot the problem: The hose from the radiator had pulled loose, allowing the tank to drain.
So I topped it off with water, and added about a cup of pure coolent to top off the radiator.
Then when I drove my daily 17 miles to work, I noticed the temperature gauge stayed way down by the "C", just like the old days.
What went on here? Do you know?
Thanks for your thoughts,
-Skip in Missouri
Here's an odd mystery.....
I've had my good old '90 Ranger for several years now and sh'e been a joy to drive.
When I first got her, the temperature gaugestayed way over to the left, just above the "C".
In the last several months, it now rides just about the middle, by the "R" in Normal, and even on the hottest days, it never ventures beyond the "M".
So this morning I pop the hood to check the juices, and notice that my overflow tank is bone dry.
I soon spot the problem: The hose from the radiator had pulled loose, allowing the tank to drain.
So I topped it off with water, and added about a cup of pure coolent to top off the radiator.
Then when I drove my daily 17 miles to work, I noticed the temperature gauge stayed way down by the "C", just like the old days.
What went on here? Do you know?
Thanks for your thoughts,
-Skip in Missouri
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Whhhaaaaatttt engine? If it's the 2.9L I'd be a little bit scared of possible cracked heads. Actually very scared. That whole family (the 2.8L, 2.9L, and 4.0L) is very very susceptible to head cracking if overheated.
Just remember, the gauge means little to nothing. It shows temp fluctuations, but without numbers, what's one to guess. I've since removed my stock gauge and replaced it with an aftermarket mechanical water temp gauge. My "overheating" problems turned out to be nothing more than a 5 degree jump from around 190 to 195. On HOT days with the A/C on idling, it'll run around 205. Never a bit hotter. I'm not worried anymore.
The gauges aren't the same between vehicles either. Mine would show a running temp just to the left of the N in NORMAL. Hot days, A/C on, it'd get up to between O and R. Other people run the same temp thermostat and idle around the R to the M. Stupid, eh?
Just remember, the gauge means little to nothing. It shows temp fluctuations, but without numbers, what's one to guess. I've since removed my stock gauge and replaced it with an aftermarket mechanical water temp gauge. My "overheating" problems turned out to be nothing more than a 5 degree jump from around 190 to 195. On HOT days with the A/C on idling, it'll run around 205. Never a bit hotter. I'm not worried anymore.
The gauges aren't the same between vehicles either. Mine would show a running temp just to the left of the N in NORMAL. Hot days, A/C on, it'd get up to between O and R. Other people run the same temp thermostat and idle around the R to the M. Stupid, eh?
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
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It's a 2.9L She's been running tight and frisky as ever, even since the temp guage started that middle range reading . It has never indicated that it has overheated.
I believe the coolent ran out during the night when it was parked because one of my young cats sleeps near it to keep warm in the night after I get home from work and may have pulled the hose out.
I believe the coolent ran out during the night when it was parked because one of my young cats sleeps near it to keep warm in the night after I get home from work and may have pulled the hose out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Well either way, check around the block top to bottom, and sign of leaks at all? If not you should be alright.
Considering it's a 16 year old truck, there's a good chance the sender is going bad. Check it's resistance readings cold (also find out the temperature) and at operating temp.
Considering it's a 16 year old truck, there's a good chance the sender is going bad. Check it's resistance readings cold (also find out the temperature) and at operating temp.
