Hot

[adamfalk]

When i am driving around normally (not off roading, street racing, etc.) My temp gauge gets to the top of the normal gauge and stays there. im just afraid of it over heating. is that right that it stays that hot? 1985 ford ranger 2.3 turbo diesel

 

[straycat]

When i am driving around normally (not off roading, street racing, etc.) My temp gauge gets to the top of the normal gauge and stays there. im just afraid of it over heating. is that right that it stays that hot? 1985 ford ranger 2.3 turbo diesel

Could be your temp gauge is wrong. How is the heat under the hood? Does it seem like it is too hot? Is there any steam coming out of the radiator? You are running coolant and not just water, correct? Your water pump is in good shape and the belt is in good shape? If all above seems well, then flush the radiator real good and put in fresh coolant and see what happens then. My temp gauge always stays right below the middle mark. It has been that way since I bought the truck new in 99.

 

[feellnfroggy]

how close is that temp gauge to the turbo? If not cooled properly those turbos run insanely hot. Also have you burped your radiator and check fluid levels?

 

[adsm08]

Does it stay in the "Normal" range? If so then it is "normal".


That gauge is pretty much an idiot light. It's better than most, but still only has about 3 settings: "cold" "warm" and "overheating". These are represented by the needle being at "cold", "normal" or "hot". The needle landing higher in the normal range could be just from an old sensor.

 

[kolton]

Ill add to this, I have the same problem. After I replaces heater core, water pump, and hoses, flushed radiator a few months ago, and new sensor. Still says the temp is way over the over heating line. So I just ognore it. I know I'm not overheating, so its all good.

 

[adamfalk]

just did a rad flush, no difference but now i know that i have good coolant in it. i will check where the thermostat is, thanks for all the advice.

 

[strvger]

mine goes all over. hooked up an aftermarket gauge and all is fine.