1998 Ranger Overheating issues?

[bifflefan05]

I have a 1998 Ford Ranger 4.0L that is overheating now. The issue just began a couple days ago. I put Radiator Stop Leak I last night and filled up the radiator and reservoir with antifreeze. I ran the truck for about 25 minutes without shutting it off just like the bottle of Stop Leak instructed. This morning coming to class, my engine temperature got up to the H on the temperature gauge. I was wondering what my problem is with the overheating issue?

 

[Bob Ayers]

Low on coolant? You must have had a leak to put stop-leak in it.

 

[bifflefan05]

I put stop leak in it just assuming i have a leak in the radiator. Could there be a possible leak in the radiator hose? But if there's a hole in the radiator hose, why would the radiator be dry on coolant?

 

[darunimal@hotmail.com]

Okay, i just did a whole system flush over the weekend. There a couple of things here that we need to know; why would you put stop leak in a radiator if theres no obvious signs of leakage, i.e. massive green puddle or sweet smell coming from engine bay & when was the system last flushed and when was the thermostat changed. Anyway probably theres a couple things you'll need 2 purchase from the store. 2 jugs of The Yellow Stuff dont buy pre-mixed unless you wanna buy 4, just use a milk jug n apx a 1/2 gallon water then pour first half in system the and water to Yellow Jug.

 

[Stranger ranger]

first off, NEVER use bars stop leak, or any kind of stop leak. Terrible terrible.

 

[jasonl]

Yeah stop leak should only be used in a pinch to get you home etc (when you have a visible leak) until you can get the proper repair done and only then when you have no other way to get the vehicle in for repair. As far as your overheating, if the radiator was full, you probably have a bad thermostat. If the radiator was low or empty you should have an obvious leak or steam out the exhaust etc.

 

[ati190]

It could be a couple things.

Radiator Cap (if it wont pressure the system)
Thermostat sticking, cheap replacement
Low Coolant level due to leak, or burning of the coolant (bad head gasket).
Water pump failing
You may have a cracked head.

My bet would be a thermostat issue.

Are you sure it's overheating, like a boil over?

I would test the coolant tempature via a manual source (a thermometer will work just fine), and see what your actual temptature is verus what the guage tells you to start. Just incase your tempature sending units aren't wacky. Make sure the coolant is flowing, by feeling the upper radiator hose for coolant flow.

ati190

 

[darunimal@hotmail.com]

You need to purchase 2 Jugs of Antifreeze 2x $11.99, Thermostat @8.99, Thermostat Gasket of for the cheap one 1.49, and Radiator Flush $5.49 or use 3 or 4oz of vinegar in the water you added to the system after you got out of school TOTAL COST: $40. You will need these tools to complete job: 3/4 socket and 1/2 wrench, 10mm socket and long extension, 1 or 2 pairs of Vise Grips, catch basin, water hose, a razor blade, time +/- 1hr, gas 1gallon +/-. Add vinegar or Flush to system to start the sooner the better.
Take off radiator cap. Open drain cock and let drain.
Clamp on Vise Grips to hose clamps you may half to adjust/tighten Vise Grips with them being part way open, twist and turn Top radiator hose and pull off and let that drain. Take off bottom radiator hose and let drain. Take the return hose (hose to reservoir) off top of radiator, nipple is below radiator cap and pull out of clips (or detach clips) route down onto/into basin and let drain (you can flush things in a minute). Move your catch basin out of the way
Get a rag or a paper towel stuff in with garden hose into upper radiator hose. All fluid should be coming out of lower hose.
Replace Upper Radiator hose. Stuff ... with garden hose into lower radiator hose. Let the system run clear for 30 secs. Push garden hose way up into lower radiator hose and stuff tight. Turn your truck on let it run with water running a few minutes add your hand in front of lower radiator neck if you want to a couple of times. Pull garden hose out and reattach LowRadHose. Fill the system with water and start vehicle for 3-7 minutes with radiator cap on or off but the drain cock should be closed. Be careful with plastic drain cock, the head will snap easily, 2 fingers pulling at the neck of a wrench is all you need. If you want to put garden hose back into LowRadHose do it. Get your 10mm and 6inch extension out, unbolt your thermostat neck. Get a stool and check to see gasket mating surface and take your time cleaning with a razor blade a sliver at time (thin is better than thick) DONT Rush it and DONT USE RTV. Replace thermostat spring side up. Put Gasket on, put bolt on thermostat neck and lower and hand screw bolt a few threads. Replace all hose and check. Refill with coolant and water. Turn truck on add more coolant first 2-3 minutes replace Cap. Add a little coolant mix to reservoir and check a couple more times over next day or 2

 

[rangerbert]

check the freeze plugs they may be rusted and leaking around those. I had an 89 F150 that had overheating issues change everything related to the cooling system then found out it was the freeze plugs. Changed them and problem solved