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? asked in Cars & TransportationMaintenance & Repairs · 9 years ago

96 V6 Ranger Overheating?

Replaced thermostat this weekend (180 degrees vs. 190 rec'd) because engine was overheating. The overflow fluid is lukewarm while overheating however temperature gauge is on redline-hot and is boiling at the radiator fill cap. Upon sitting while cooling, the main feed hose (at thermostat) collapses. The antifreeze is old and looks rusty but don't believe it is problem as this happened all at once. Also, no leaks at the water pump and I have heat. Any ideas for my next approach on diagnosis?

Thanks for any input

Update:

Note overheating began before thermostat replacement.

Update 2:

Also, Overfill fills all the way when hot and drains fully when cool.

1 Answer

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  • Anonymous
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    With someone watching the heat gauge, start it up and hold the upper rad hose, when it gets warm the thermostat just opened up. Squeeze the upper rad hose hard, try to get all the air out of the system (burping the system). bet theres a big bubble stuck somewhere from when you changed the thermostat.

    Also I have received a bad thermostat that wouldnt open, could be that. Maybe try a failsafe thermostat, if that fails, it gets stuck in the open position, worst thing that happens is motor wont heat up, so no heat and bad mileage, which is much better than overheating the engine.

    And going to say it just to cover all bases.....make sure you didnt install the new thermostat upside down. Its been done before and is easy to do if not watching.

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