I am a Newbie on the FTEF and I'm having cooling system problems on my 1996 Ranger 3.0...2WD Man.Trans
I start the engine and the Temp. stays at midpoint for about 10 min at Idle then the Temp pegs out HOT I got out and checked the top and bottom Radiator Hoses are both COLD and Heater Hoses are HOT and the heater has heat to the cab also the TOP Radiator Hose is HOT right where it goes into the Thermostat about 6 or 8 inches up before it makes the bend to go back to the Radiator and nowhere else on that hose... There is a slight drip of coolant that weeped out of the Radiator Cap... the RADIATOR is also COOL to the touch .... Does that sound like a Stuck Closed Thermostat to you all ??? ANY HELP would be greatly appreciated Thanks
Hoosier 1996 Ranger

 

If the engine is getting hot and the radiator is not then the thermostat is not opening.

 

Sounds like a thermostat problem to me also.

 

I agree, sounds like the thermostat is stuck closed. Opt for a Motorcraft of the specified heat range & design type with the poppet type air bleed bypass valve to help burp the cooling system of entrapped air after filling. Let us know what you find.

 

I also agree it is the thermostat and I would also put on a new radiator cap it is a pressure system and a leaky cap can cause trouble ! I would also consider changing the temp sending unit just in case it is giving wrong reading to the guage .