88 2.3 overheat

[Mightyfordranger]

So my truck overheats when the oil needs changed and i dont neglect to change it i just dont know why it doesnt burn coolant it does some oil but not much its weird. Any ideas??

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[tomw]

If I understand, remember that oil not only LUBES the bearings, etc, but CARRIES AWAY HEAT from the hotter regions. If you have less oil, it will itself get hotter, and also have less surface area on the oil pan to radiate heat to the atmosphere, so the oil temp will go UP. Bingo. I think.
That is why running low on oil is stupid. Unless you have pockets full of cash to throw around, a $3 bottle of oil not bought can cost $500-$2000 to replace/repair the engine that failed. Used from $400 plus labor, and re-man/rebuild plus labor. Seems stupid to me to fail to check the oil level and run low. Your choice.
tom

 

[Mightyfordranger]

Well it had a pan leak and i carry oil and check/top it off often every other day im paranoid bout that stuff i check on my engine often. I cant really remember anything iev owned that hasn't leaked or burned something lol

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[Mightyfordranger]

Has a pan leak*

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[tomw]

Well, maybe if you fed it some of those tacos you're noshing on it would stop leaking.

Have you tried tightening the pan bolts, or is it some damage to the pan itself? Everything I have gotten my hands on says you have to pull the engine, or almost pull it, to change the pan gasket. Some have snaked in a new gasket, going 'under' the oil pump pickup and then back up to the gasket surface. PITA.
tom

 

[Mightyfordranger]

No pan damage and im greedy when comes to tacos lol but im afraid if i mess with the gasket any it might get worse lol

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[Mightyfordranger]

Ok so even after i change the oil it still runs hot. Now this prob has been on going last year i replaced the rad and pump and termostat. But it still keeps doing it i also added a little fan to the rad to try and keep it cool but it doesn't help...any ideas??

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[tomw]

I would borrow a thermometer, or non-contact reader to get the temperature of the block, head, and coolant return hose near or past the thermostat. Your gauge may be inaccurate, or the voltage chopper failing, causing readings that are incorrect.
If you want to know the real temperature, you need to use a real measuring tool. The gauge and sender are 'ballpark', really meant to indicate 'change from normal'.
If the air from your heater will run you out, the coolant & engine are plenty hot.
tom

 

[RangerFabWorks]

You running an aftermarket temp gauge or you going by the stock dash gauge?

 

[RonD]

Have you done "the Glove test" to take a cylinder leak off the table

I would do that first or you will end up chasing your tail with non-fixes

Fan belt routing
I am not familiar with 2.3l fan belt lay out, but........
Neighbor had a transverse mounted GM engine
It was running warm, didn't get above 3/4 but got close some times.
Turns out his fan belt broke on a trip and mechanic put on a new one, everything seemed fine after that so he never mentioned it to me
Well.....mechanic had mis-routed the fan belt and water pump was turning backwards.
So it was circulating coolant just not at full capacity.

Not sure if 1988 used V-belt or serpentine belt

1988 does have temp Sender at rear of engine, near oil pressure sender, so temp on gauge usually showed cooler temp, above 1/4 but not as close to 1/2 as say a 3.0l/4.0l would show with sender next to thermostat housing.

Heater core is the water pump by-pass, if it gets plugged up engine can show warmer temp, by-pass heater core temporarily to see it that's the cause

 

[WarHawk-AVG]

No pan damage and im greedy when comes to tacos lol but im afraid if i mess with the gasket any it might get worse lol

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snug em down...or replace em

Thermostat, clogged radiator, possible water pump not pumping well anymore (wore out)

 

[Mightyfordranger]

Well i have replaced everything in the cooling system a year ago rad fan clutch thermo and pump

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