- Joined
- Sep 22, 2007
- Messages
- 12,433
- Reaction score
- 7,554
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Michigan
- Vehicle Year
- 1987
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- 2.9 V6
- Engine Size
- 177 CID
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 2WD
- My credo
- A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
87 Ranger XLT
2.9/5sp
My gauges have been doing funny stuff. I was freaking out over on the 2.9 forum thinking that my truck was running hot. However, after today i dont think thats the case.
Past week or so the temp gauge and oil pressure would ride about 3/4 way up the normal band, and when you stopped sometimes the temp would climb to the top of normal real quick, then fall again. Ambient temp was 55* or so.
Now, today, its like, 82*. Temp gauge rides just below 1/2, and oil pressure just above half. The temp gauge did climb like usual but only a couple times, but i noticed that the fuel gauge also magically gained 1/4 tank. I sat idleing in the bank drive thru for ~10 minutes and the temp never got above 1/2 way.
Now, whats odd is, the gauges were fine untill i replaced the right turn signal indicator on the dash. Now, after 2 weeks or so that bulb is blown back out (or not working anyways) and the gauges seem to be functioning somewhat properly.
I know the older trucks (like 85 back, atleast Fseries) ran a insturment voltage regulator. Cant find anything bout rangers useing them, but i assume they do. Im wondering if that is fried on my truck? Or in the process of frying?
I have a theory that the gauges spike after stopping because when the RPMs come down the voltage also drops a bit, due to slower alternator spinning, and the regulator overcompensates?
Im pry way out in left field, but its driving me nuts, not so much it does it but not knowing why.
Any input is apperciated.
2.9/5sp
My gauges have been doing funny stuff. I was freaking out over on the 2.9 forum thinking that my truck was running hot. However, after today i dont think thats the case.
Past week or so the temp gauge and oil pressure would ride about 3/4 way up the normal band, and when you stopped sometimes the temp would climb to the top of normal real quick, then fall again. Ambient temp was 55* or so.
Now, today, its like, 82*. Temp gauge rides just below 1/2, and oil pressure just above half. The temp gauge did climb like usual but only a couple times, but i noticed that the fuel gauge also magically gained 1/4 tank. I sat idleing in the bank drive thru for ~10 minutes and the temp never got above 1/2 way.
Now, whats odd is, the gauges were fine untill i replaced the right turn signal indicator on the dash. Now, after 2 weeks or so that bulb is blown back out (or not working anyways) and the gauges seem to be functioning somewhat properly.
I know the older trucks (like 85 back, atleast Fseries) ran a insturment voltage regulator. Cant find anything bout rangers useing them, but i assume they do. Im wondering if that is fried on my truck? Or in the process of frying?
I have a theory that the gauges spike after stopping because when the RPMs come down the voltage also drops a bit, due to slower alternator spinning, and the regulator overcompensates?
Im pry way out in left field, but its driving me nuts, not so much it does it but not knowing why.
Any input is apperciated.