2.3L ('02-'11) 2010 2.3L still overheating after new radiator, flushes, reservoir, thermostat, and water pump

[Wingit]

I see an electric fan in there, does it turn the correct direction?

I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm not sure which direction it should turn. I'd imagine counter-clockwise from the perspective of the pictures?

 

[droidish]

Weird. Also with the shape of the blades they'd have to rotating in opposite directions too. Right?

Yeah the fan is driven by the backside (smooth) of the serpentine belt. The fan spins CCW while the crank pulley spins CW.

 

[droidish]

When it overheats, you are seeing the temp gauge way over to the hot side?
Are there other signs of overheating like pinging or knocking?
Does the “Check Engine” MIL come on?
You mentioned a vacuum leak, if that’s bad enough it could cause overheating, but it should also set off the MIL.

A more accurate way to see your coolant temperature is using a scan tool plugged into the OBD port. If you don’t have access to one, I think some parts stores loan them, maybe O’Reilly or Auto Zone.

 

[Wingit]

Yeah the fan is driven by the backside (smooth) of the serpentine belt. The fan spins CCW while the crank pulley spins CW.

The E-fan also spins CCW?

When it overheats, you are seeing the temp gauge way over to the hot side?
Are there other signs, like pinging or knocking.
Does the “Check Engine” MIL come on.
You mentioned a vacuum leak, if that’s bad enough it could cause overheating, but it should also set off the MIL.

A more accurate way to see your coolant temperature is using a scan tool plugged into the OBD port. If you don’t have access to one, I think some parts stores loan them, maybe O’Reilly or Auto Zone.

I'm not seeing it get that far over, but only because I slow down (and pull over when it gets past 7/8). No check engine light, no codes, nothing. I wouldn't usually be worried unless the needle hit the red, but I often caravan that route with my buddy who has a Ranger with the same engine and his never budges from the middle.

I am using an OBDII scanner at the same time, and watching the cylinder head temp. 7/8 on the gauge is about 240f, which to my understanding is a bit too hot

 

[pjtoledo]

Electric and a clutch fan? That can't be right can it?

standard factory setup, my 2005 has that too.