Overheating And I cant figure it out. HELP

[Ranger-Danger]

Ok i got a 93 ford ranger 4.0 4x4

I am having a major issue with overheating. My temp gauge will got straight to the red with in 20-25 mins easy driving like 35mph and less.

I just replaced the thermostat today, radiator is warm/hot everywhere so I'm thinking its not blocked. no over flowing or boiling. It has proper water/coolant levels.

My Main concern: I just checked the oil just via the dip stick and it seems really really runny. I got my oil changed from a place and they didn't say anything about the consistency. But I'm really worried that i might have a cracked block and there is water in my oil. What is the easiest way to check for this?

Please help me out anything information would be great.

 

[JoxJo]

is your oil level above the max?? That would be a good indicator that your coolant is some how getting in there and it usually gets milky pretty quick.

 

[Ranger-Danger]

Oil level seems to be normal. And its not really "milky" I thnk im gonna change the oil and see if there is water in there.

Anyideas on how to check for a cracked block or head gasket? Would a compression test help for that and give an idea of where the water is coming from?

 

[Big Jim M]

First things first!

Oil level seems to be normal. And its not really "milky" I thnk im gonna change the oil and see if there is water in there.

Anyideas on how to check for a cracked block or head gasket? Would a compression test help for that and give an idea of where the water is coming from?

Did you turn the heater to the HOT position while filling with coolant? If not then your system is LOW on coolant!! Using the heater to refill a ranger radiator is absolutely NEEDED!
Second thing is the oil... No need to drain it if there was coolant in it it would be milky and easy to see.
The other things to check would be the fan clutch or a stopped up radiator. One other thing...is the new thermostat installed upside down?
Big JIm