2.3L ('83-'97) Upgrading 1995 Ranger's 2.3 Lime Radiator/Cooling System

[95TravelinRanger]

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to ask if there was a simple bolt-on way or better radiator that is sold to improve the cooling capacity of the 95 Rangers 2.3 Lima engine. I run her off-road, nothing crazy but I believe I overheated her once after being in first gear for 20 minutes in the dunes.

Let me know of any suggestions or ideas, all will be appreciated!

 

[franklin2]

I have never done it before, but can't you install a v6 radiator if the outlets are in the same place?

 

[Shran]

I have never done it before, but can't you install a v6 radiator if the outlets are in the same place?

4 cylinder radiators are backward from V6's. Will not work.

First I would check your radiator and AC condenser for bugs, dirt, leaves between the two, etc... rule out a simple air flow problem from plugged up parts. I would maybe think about replacing the fan clutch second unless you have done it recently. Third would adding an electric fan on the front of the radiator. You could build a better fan shroud too... usually they just have a little fan guard on top and nothing that really directs air through the radiator. Last resort would be to modify a bigger aftermarket radiator to fit. I don't know of any larger ones that are a bolt in replacement.

IMO the stock radiator is almost too big for a 2.3. Take note of the fan shroud... V6 trucks all have a big piece that fits around the fan and ensures that air gets pulled through, 4 cylinder trucks usually do not. I have had to run cardboard and stuff in front of the radiator in the winter just so that the heater works in mine.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yeah, do that first... also get some radiator flush and run through the cooling system, probably wouldn't hurt... My '97 doesn't ever get to thermostat temperature even in 100F weather.

If that isn't enough, a V6 radiator should work, will likely have to play with hoses, on my '90 I'm running a Explorer radiator with a stock radiator hose cut in half with a copper elbow in the middle, lower hose is the stock lower hose from a '86 Thunderbird turbocoupe...

 

[tinman_72]

I put an OEM style aftermarket from the local parts store in my '93 4 banger. In the summer, it barely reaches 180 degrees.

 

[bobaloo]

My '94 has only gone to the normal range once, my idler seized and burned the belt off and I needed to drive a mile and a half with no drive belt. Other than that the gauge always stays just above the cold line both winter and summer. Yes, I've tried different thermostats, (Running a 195deg), sending units and even a gauge!
It doesn't like it hot I guess.

 

[Dirtman]

2.3 Limas are practically air cooled engines, there is so much iron surrounding such a small engine that they are almost impossible to overheat. Guys here love them for demolition derby cars because they can just fill the block with concrete and run no cooling system and they magically survive.

 

[RustyShackleford94]

Yeah you need to flush that system. The only time ive seen one overheat is when my 95s trans lost all forward gears and i drove it a couple rural miles home in reverse.

 

[xevo]

Mine cools all too well... recently on a 95 degree day, after I drove the truck on highways after an hour in town, the temp gauge stayed on or near "C". For a minute I thought the temp sensor went out, but no codes were thrown.
Anyway, when I check the radiator in the mornings before starting, the water level is around an inch low and I fill anywhere between a cup and a pint of water. I don't see any leaks anywhere. (The previous owner replaced the radiator and water pump. After I bought the truck over 5 years ago, I replaced the hoses and had to scrub out the overflow reservoir because it had a muddy brown substance at the bottom. )

 

[95TravelinRanger]

Thanks, everyone for your replies! I recently put a code reader on it with a digital interface and ran my truck through the San Fernando Valley in the summer (100-degree day) and it got no hotter than 195. I saw it got a little bit hotter (maybe 196-197) on a steep hill in third gear.

I wonder how it will hold up to towing an 800-1300 pound teardrop trailer? Does everyone think that the cooling system should stand up to that?

 

[scotts90ranger]

It'll probably be fine, the thermostat is like 195F so I wouldn't worry about it, just keep an eye on the coolant temp gauge if it goes higher than normal. Even on 105F days here lately my '97 hasn't gotten over 82C, I checked with my OBD II deal, I think that's around 182F... Things get sketchy around 235F/110C so keep that in mind, I wouldn't stress until you see that temperature but that is the ragged edge of things...

 

[RustyShackleford94]

Should be fine. Indiana is flat AF but i was probably in that neighborhood with this load.

temp didnt come up higher than normal.