Loss of power, leaking coolant, temp gauge reading wrong.

[epeterson]

Hey everyone,

New to the forum and new to Rangers. I've had mine now for a couple months, and i've run into some problems.

First is the loss of power, I can hear the rpms dropping and going back up when i'm accelerating and it seems to have a tough time getting to the point where it will shift. Its most noticeable when going uphill. On flat ground I can still hear the change in RPMs, but it shifts fine.

There is also a coolant leak. Its not consistent, but it will leave a small puddle of coolant if its been sitting for a while. Coolant is noticeable on the front of the engine. Perhaps from the back of the thermostat housing near the block?

The temperature gauge fluctuates. Most of the time it will not reach normal. It will stay right below the second line, and maybe just move over it. The other times I drive it it will stay right around the "O" and "R". Seems to drive better when the gauge reads correctly.

The heat works quickly though. After about 3 minutes of driving the heat will blow nice and warm. And the heat is good and hot shortly after.

I also just noticed a smell of gas in the oil, never noticed it before until yesterday.

Could all of these issues be tied to the cooling system? Wrong info being sent to computer, making the engine run too rich? Time for a new thermostat?

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

1994 Ford Ranger XL
3.0 Auto 94,000

 

[Rearanger]

I've had mine now for a couple months, and i've run into some problems.

What did the previous owner do to it for maintenance and what have you done so far? Good rule of thumb is complete fluids change on used vehicles.

I can hear the rpms dropping and going back up when i'm accelerating and it seems to have a tough time getting to the point where it will shift.

Might be a transmission problem not an engine problem. When was the last time the trans fluid was flushed/changed?

Coolant is noticeable on the front of the engine. Perhaps from the back of the thermostat housing near the block?

Picture would help, but tracing leaks on the internet is like trying to find a black cat in a dark room.

The temperature gauge fluctuates...Time for a new thermostat?

Easy and cheap way is to just replace it. Cooling system flush?

I also just noticed a smell of gas in the oil, never noticed it before until yesterday. Could all of these issues be tied to the cooling system? Wrong info being sent to computer, making the engine run too rich?

Could be engine temp sensor (not gauge sensor) causing too rich - it can be tested. Does it start OK when hot? Checked the plugs for color? Done a hot engine compression test?

 

[epeterson]

Here are some pictures of the leak. The best pics I could get. That seems to be the highest point it drips down from.

 

[Tractor Dan]

I'm not sure what you have or haven't done but check your plugs,wires,and distributor out. When i got my 97 it was running crazy like that and it would buck and kick going down the road. Well after plugs,wires,and a coil it done the trick. Still done the kick and buck a bit but the transmission flush took care of that. I agree on replacing all fluids unless you know they have been changed recently. I will say the thermostat is an easy job. I done mine when i had to drop a new radiator and upper hose in and i had the thermostat done in no time. Maybe 20 minutes tops, i was moving slow that day. One last thing on your coolant gauge deal. I would replace your temperature sensors. Not sure if there are two or one on the 94's. I know on my 97 there are two. One that reads back to the computer and one to the gauge. I ended up doing both of mine seeing as i went to remove one and the plastic snapped in half. So i just said to heck with it and done both while i was at it. You will want a deep well socket to get them out, atleast that's what i used. Hope this helps you some. I'll tell you once you get the bugs worked out and get her running right you will enjoy the truck. Good luck to you and welcome to the forum.

 

[Rearanger]

Here are some pictures of the leak.

Doesn't really help unless someone else can pin point location. You'd be best to get a pressure test where the leak would identify itself. Maybe one of the parts stores will do it for free.