2.3L ('02-'11) coolant temp 245

[Charcoalcash]

2.3l Duratec(2001-2011 Rangers) uses a CHT(cylinder head temp) sensor not an ECT(engine coolant temp) sensor

So 245-250degF is OK

Yes, 204deg on upper hose outlet is correct

Temp gauge on dash has 210deg as 1/2 way

Sorry to reopen this thread, so I’m averaging 230-240F driving with occasionally spikes to 260. This is normal on a 2001 2.3L?

 

[sgtsandman]

Sorry to reopen this thread, so I’m averaging 230-240F driving with occasionally spikes to 260. This is normal on a 2001 2.3L?

No, that is way to high. It should be somewhere around 180-190 while cruising. Towing or climbing a lot of hills, maybe somewhere around 200-205.

Something is wrong. It could be a bad thermostat, bad impellor on the water pump, of your radiator is clogged internally or externally. Look for a lot of leaves and debris between the radiator and A/C condenser first. Then look at the thermostat.

Flushing the radiator at that time wouldn't be a horrible idea. It would be better if you could remove the radiator so you and hold it upside down and flush it with a hose from the lower nipple with a garden hose. Maybe you'll be able to knock some debris loose if the radiator is partially clogged.

As far as the water pump, the only way to know for sure on that is to remove it so you can see if the impellor has separated from the shaft or if the impeller has been erroded away.

 

[Charcoalcash]

No, that is way to high. It should be somewhere around 180-190 while cruising. Towing or climbing a lot of hills, maybe somewhere around 200-205.

Something is wrong. It could be a bad thermostat, bad impellor on the water pump, of your radiator is clogged internally or externally. Look for a lot of leaves and debris between the radiator and A/C condenser first. Then look at the thermostat.

Flushing the radiator at that time wouldn't be a horrible idea. It would be better if you could remove the radiator so you and hold it upside down and flush it with a hose from the lower nipple with a garden hose. Maybe you'll be able to knock some debris loose if the radiator is partially clogged.

As far as the water pump, the only way to know for sure on that is to remove it so you can see if the impellor has separated from the shaft or if the impeller has been erroded away.

Upper rad hose was 178 at idle, the cylinder head temp is what it 220+

 

[sgtsandman]

Upper rad hose was 178 at idle, the cylinder head temp is what it 220+

That's a different story. I have no idea what is normal in that situation. I've always just paid attention to coolant temp.

 

[Charcoalcash]

That's a different story. I have no idea what is normal in that situation. I've always just paid attention to coolant temp.

Dummy gauge is reading normal, but the OBD scanner pulls cylinder head temp since 01+ 2.3L rangers don’t have coolant temp sensors.