1992 ranger 2.3 runs cool (coolant)

[twfmvm]

Well. I live in texas. So cold has a different meaning. But even on what i was calling cold days ( 32 degrees F 0 degress C) the baffle still lets in too much air and i have 2/3 of the radiator covered.

i just feel like it has to be running in choke mode most of the time to be getting a steady 19/20mpg. Its as if i would need to block the rad or take the fan off (jk) just to have my engine running at its optimal temp. Or maybe it is running at the right temp. But i just have that gut feeling. I dont see why it would be air bubbles if the engine runs cold and the heater runs hot. When i run the heater the coolant temp gauge appears to drop as well (which would suggest the heater rad is fine as well as the gauge and sendor). Recently i never see the needle past 1/8. Usually it stays on the edge of cold and normal

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[Mark_88]

That's what I said earlier...my gauge never worked properly after it over heated. Whether yours overheated or not is another story. Mine ran at about the same level for two years without any problems.

The thing is if these engines over heat they are usually toast so I don't like to write anything off...if you are getting constant 19/20 out of it that is not bad...they "can" be more efficient and get around 25 mpg or maybe even a bit more depending on cab config, any extra weight in the bed, removing jump seats and extras that are not needed...

Tune up helps sometimes...tires help most times (air pressure)...what you carry in the truck or even your own body weight...at one time I was 260 lbs so I was carrying an extra 40 lbs of belly fat around thinking my truck was the problem...lol

I used mine originally for long distance commute...I needed to carry only what was absolutely necessary...extra tools or whatever got tossed unless it was needed for weight for traction...and I usually got over 20 mpg...it got better when I lost weight, tossed the jump seats, switched to a smaller tire, and a number of other measures...

If the heater is blowing hot air constantly and not going cold at highway speeds or idle then I don't think you have anything to fix...just watch the fluid level and make sure it is mixed properly...those coolant testers are cheap and a good tool to make sure you are not running to lean a mix...