1988 Ford Ranger clogged radiator?

STILLCONFUSED

MEMBER
1988 FORD RANGER

Engine Cooling problem
1988 Ford Ranger 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Manual

Truck is running hot. Temp gauge will read normal then hot then normal then hotter and fluctuating from then on. Just replaced thermostat, hoses and fluid. Didn't really flush it because drain cock was releasing fluid in only a steady trickle. Took close to an hour to drain. Radiator was replaced a few years back. I found old thermostat not working when tested. New one did work when tested. Any way to unclog radiator with out replacing? Could it be something else?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Are you getting any white smoke from the exhaust? Is your heater working properly? Does the radiator look clean inside? Does it overheat at highway speeds or only in town driving?

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, May 13th, 2010 AT 11:02 PM

STILLCONFUSED

MEMBER
2 POSTS

No white smoke. Heater works but fan stopped working on high on a ridiculous cold day here in Montana. When I drained it there was more material in the fluid than I expected. Speed doesn't seem to affect the temperature variations. 60 or 25 temp fluctuates or sometimes it stays at normal temp. Would some radiator flush work? Its a diluted hydrochloric acid correct? And thank you very much for your advice Joe.

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Thursday, May 20th, 2010 AT 3:17 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

It sounds like you have the same luck as I do. Chances are the blower motor relay is causing the fan not to work on high.

Montana. I thought Pittsburgh was bad. No thanks!

As far as you response, I have a feeling the radiator is the problem. I was worried about a head gasket the way it is acting, but since there is no white smoke and no coolant mixing with the oil, chances are that is good.

As far as a flush, just stop at any parts store and they will have what you need. Just follow the directions. The trickle of coolant when draining it leads me to believe it is partially plugged. Do one other thing for me. When it is heating up for you, check the radiator hoses to make sure they are not collapsed.

Try the flush and let me know if it works.

Joe
PS: You're very welcome for the help. I just hope I can get you through this with as little money spent as possible.

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Thursday, May 20th, 2010 AT 10:39 PM