2.3L ('83-'97) '94 Coolant Capacity

[bpr]

Hi. I just completed a full coolant flush on my 1994 2.3 2wd Ranger. Total capacity in the radiator and overflow tank is less than a gallon, which seems weird. I found a manual online that states the full capacity of the cooling system on this truck should be more like 6.5 quarts. Everything went smoothly on the flush and it seems like the coolant system is operating properly. I'm wondering if there might be a blockage somewhere though? It's holding about half of what it should. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[sgtsandman]

That doesn't sound unusual. There is going to be coolant trapped in the engine unless you do a complete tear down.

Just keep an eye on the reservoir and top it off as needed since it will probably burb some air bubbles out of the system as it gets driven. Some reservoirs have MAX and MIN markings and others don't. Mine doesn't. So I keep it filled to the seam on the reservior.

 

[Bgunner]

Did you pull/open the petcock valve on the radiator after the flush? This would explain the the less than 1 gallon.

As a reference my 94 3.0L took just shy of 2 gallons including the overflow after a flush. Haynes manual says 11.8L for the 3.0L and 7.2L for your 4 cylinder. You will always have fluid in the heater core and the engine block so you can not go by a dry fill measurement.

 

[McAwesome2898]

Did you pull/open the petcock valve on the radiator after the flush? This would explain the the less than 1 gallon.

As a reference my 94 3.0L took just shy of 2 gallons including the overflow after a flush. Haynes manual says 11.8L for the 3.0L and 7.2L for your 4 cylinder. You will always have fluid in the heater core and the engine block so you can not go by a dry fill measurement.

Okay, but what getting me. I'm in a similar situation. I've pulled my hoses I've blown air through everything. I don't expect perfect but I'm still about a half gallon shy of full. Unless thats meant for the reservoir???

 

[scotts90ranger]

Okay, but what getting me. I'm in a similar situation. I've pulled my hoses I've blown air through everything. I don't expect perfect but I'm still about a half gallon shy of full. Unless thats meant for the reservoir???

That's about the amount of coolant that will be trapped in the engine block and heater core if you don't pull the block drain (don't remember where it is on a 2.3) and you pretty much can't get the coolant out of the heater core unless you pull it and invert it (15 minute job)