94 Ranger xlt overheating issue

[Hunter26]

Hey guys getting desperate at this point was looking for some advice. Have a 94 ranger 4.0 that keeps running super hot. So I started with the basics, changed the thermostat, the radiator had a slight leak, so I replaced that too.went ahead and replaced the radiator cap while I was at it (because for some reason a brand new radiator doesn’t come with a cap), still running hot. Went ahead and replaced the water pump that looked to be the oem from 94 STILL running hot very close to red lining on the gauge. I also have decent heat in the cab of the truck. So I’m just a little lost and looking for any insight on what I can try to tackle next. Also to add I’m quite sure I burped the system adequately.

Consider buying an ob2 scanner from Amazon $22.00. it plugs into the port under the dash. Download Forscan light app into your smart phone. All kinds of information. I have ECT (engine coolant temperature) plugged in on app. You can watch the exact temperature rise until the thermostat opens and begins to drop.

 

[94fordheadache]

Consider buying an ob2 scanner from Amazon $22.00. it plugs into the port under the dash. Download Forscan light app into your smart phone. All kinds of information. I have ECT (engine coolant temperature) plugged in on app. You can watch the exact temperature rise until the thermostat opens and begins to drop.

Consider buying an ob2 scanner from Amazon $22.00. it plugs into the port under the dash. Download Forscan light app into your smart phone. All kinds of information. I have ECT (engine coolant temperature) plugged in on app. You can watch the exact temperature rise until the thermostat opens and begins to drop.

There isn’t one under the dash in the 94 or someone deleted it. Weird I see your from central Pa, you sell some rims recently. I just bought some ranger rims and tires off a hunter from central pa.

 

[94fordheadache]

Thinking I might have found a possible problem. My fan clutch started making a horrible noise today and I noticed the fan spinning visually slower than usual. I’ve saw a trick where you roll a magazine up and see if it easily stops the fan and it did so that should tell me the fan clutch is bad and not cooling the engine properly? What do you guys think? Don’t really want to tear that all apart again if it’s for nothing.

 

[Shran]

Consider buying an ob2 scanner from Amazon $22.00. it plugs into the port under the dash. Download Forscan light app into your smart phone. All kinds of information. I have ECT (engine coolant temperature) plugged in on app. You can watch the exact temperature rise until the thermostat opens and begins to drop.

His truck is OBD-1. That will not work. Only on 95 and up can you do that. However, you can stream live data if you have the correct code reader... such as that Bosch one I listed and several others (I have an ancient OTC System 2000 code reader that will live stream OBD-1 data.)

As far as springs inside the lower radiator hose - I have never seen that on any Ranger/B2/Explorer. None. Not saying it couldn't happen... but I've worked on and parted out probably 50-75 trucks and never seen it. Other vehicles, yes, but not ours.

Sounds like you are on the right track with the fan clutch, that is a possible problem. Usually they fail and lock in the clutch, you will notice a lot of noise and engine power loss but sometimes they fail the other way. Magazine trick should work, just be careful not to put your fingers in there.

 

[superj]

Baf fan clutch is notmally seen at idle and slow speeds, not when driving, though.


And dont order the hd fan clutch to replace it. It never disengages and tour gas mileage drops a lot and its noisy, like a direct drive fan

 

[4.0blue98]

Thinking I might have found a possible problem. My fan clutch started making a horrible noise today and I noticed the fan spinning visually slower than usual. I’ve saw a trick where you roll a magazine up and see if it easily stops the fan and it did so that should tell me the fan clutch is bad and not cooling the engine properly? What do you guys think? Don’t really want to tear that all apart again if it’s for nothing.

Spin it when cold. Should spin easily. Run it and get it hot. Shut it off. Should be noticeably tougher to spin.

If its making noise just replace it. Even if it isn't the issue, it going to take a dump on you soon.

 

[Angry Possum]

It could very well be a bad water pump.