Need help With my 93 2.3

[beefgravy]

Hello, I re-bought my 93 ranger from the guy I sold it to and he did not take care of it. I have had it for 6 months now and has run perfect.

As it got colder outside, I tried the heater, and it was hot for a second and then went cold. If i shut it off the fan it got warm then I turn on the fan, and after 1 minute it went cold. So I changed the thermostat.. Now when it is going down the road it is boiling hot heat.. very nice, but at an idle it gets colder, not ice cold but definatley colder. Truck does not over heat.

Any clues? Thank you so much.

Beef Gravy

 

[mikepotts]

i would flush the system. is it possible the former owner added some kind of stop leak to the rad? ive found some to partially stop up the heater core.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

either air in the system or a water pump on its way out.

 

[beefgravy]

I was thinkink air too. Whats a good way to "burp" The system?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

remove the radiator cap and run the motor at idle for 15-20 minutes. add coolant as the level goes down. have a catch pan under the truck because after the t-stat opens its going to bubble coolant and air out the radiator neck. after it burps, top it off and cap it.

alternatly, you can remove your t-stat and drill a small hole in the flange part of it to allow air to bleed through while its closed. this speeds up the process. while your at it, it woulnt hurt to just throw a new t-stat in there...since they are cheap and youll need a new gasket anyway.

 

[beefgravy]

Already changed the tstat, thats what started it..lol but I will try the bleeding method. Thanks guys!

 

[tomw]

I had to loosen the heater core clamps and maneuver the hoses to let the bubbles of air come to the high point, and then let them out. I put in a flushing tee, and now can remove the cap to let the air out without leaking a bunch of coolant.
It may take a couple tries as the bubbles will find their way to the highest spot and stay there.
tom