Cooling Problem

[fes007]

I have noticed that my 96 4.0 Ranger is running hot. I have already replaced the thermostat a couple of weeks ago and tried to backflush the radiator today the best I could. The upper hose is hot while the lower hose is cold. Also, the majority of the cooling fins are cold as well. Top is hot and the drivers side of the radiator is also. I think that the radiator is clogged. I believe that my water pump is fine since it is not leaking or has any play. If the radiator is clogged how should I fix it? Thanks.

 

[Big Jim M]

???

I have noticed that my 96 4.0 Ranger is running hot. I have already replaced the thermostat a couple of weeks ago and tried to backflush the radiator today the best I could. The upper hose is hot while the lower hose is cold. Also, the majority of the cooling fins are cold as well. Top is hot and the drivers side of the radiator is also. I think that the radiator is clogged. I believe that my water pump is fine since it is not leaking or has any play. If the radiator is clogged how should I fix it? Thanks.

Where are you? The radiator is SUPPOSED to be hot on top and cold on the bottom! That's the way it works.

Tell us a little about the HOT situation. How HOT is it? Does it puke it's gutz out? Do you KNOW how to fill the cooling system of a Ranger? It is special compared to other vehicle engines.

How hot does it get and how long do you drive it before it gets this hot?
Big JIm

 

[AllanD]

It sounds like your radiator is plugged.

Either have it professionally flushed (expensive and not always effective)

Or simply replace it.

Cold FINS indicate that the hot coolant isn't actually getting into the tubes.

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[legoms013]

Mine was clogged, and so I just replaced it. Made a world of difference.

Up to that point I had replaced everything else (water pump, fan clutch, thermostat, temp sending unit, etc).

It was a night and day difference.

 

[fes007]

I'll replace it this week. Is there any place online that anyone would recommend? I need the two core radiator for AC.

 

[Big Jim M]

Nope!

Where are you? The radiator is SUPPOSED to be hot on top and cold on the bottom! That's the way it works.

Tell us a little about the HOT situation. How HOT is it? Does it puke it's gutz out? Do you KNOW how to fill the cooling system of a Ranger? It is special compared to other vehicle engines.

How hot does it get and how long do you drive it before it gets this hot?
Big JIm

Nobody here can give you a factual answer until you answer the questions I asked..

All the answers you have so far are simply shooting in the dark. You shouldn't purchase a new radiator until you KNOW for sure that you have a problem with it.
Big JIm

 

[289-tiger-]

I have noticed that my 96 4.0 Ranger is running hot. I have already replaced the thermostat a couple of weeks ago and tried to backflush the radiator today the best I could. The upper hose is hot while the lower hose is cold. Also, the majority of the cooling fins are cold as well. Top is hot and the drivers side of the radiator is also. I think that the radiator is clogged. I believe that my water pump is fine since it is not leaking or has any play. If the radiator is clogged how should I fix it? Thanks.[/QUOT

Check your heater core for issues. You can store a lot of air upstairs in the cooling system if it is not clear.

Good luck