Temp gauge drops when heat is turned on.

[Spencer_k]

I just acquired my 97 ranger from my grandfather who recently passed away. Not my first ranger though. When the truck gets to operating temp and you turn the heat on the gauge drops like a rock. Overflow is full, seems to be dripping a couple drops out of the lower hose but I don't think that's a factor. I was gonna try a thermostat but just wanted to check with you guys first so I don't waste my money. For reference is a 97 2wd 4 cylinder with 73k

 

[z3ro]

lol, thats normal. nothings broken

 

[Spencer_k]

no I mean it goes from half way to the bottom. and there's no heat.

 

[z3ro]

oh, i dunno then.

 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

thermostat is stuck open it sounds like. does it take awhile to heat up too?

 

[Spencer_k]

yup

 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

replace the t-stat.