2.9L & 3.0L V6 Tech General discussion of 2.9L and 3.0L V6 Ford Ranger engines.

Truck overheating

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Old 05-18-2006
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Truck overheating

Yesterday I went offroading. It was pretty bad. My engine bay was covered with mudd. I pressure washed it immediately after. I got almost home and my truck overheated. Well it was redlined. I pulled over. It took about 30 minutes or so for it to get at least to a normal level. I drove about another 5 miles and it was back at redline. I let it set overnight. I thought it might be the fact I just washed it all off. I cleaned it off again this morning being sure to target the radiator and the fan. I drove to work, everything was fine. Had to go back home everything was fine. Then I was on my way back to work and it started to get hot again. The weird thing is, this whole morning I wasnt doing more than 50mph, UNTIL I was on my way back to work. I was going about 60 or so. So it seems like when I take it easy everythings fine. But when I push her she starts to get hot. ANyone have any ideas on why this is? Could it be my fluids? I have no idea what it could be or if my assumptions were right. Any help would do. Is there something I need to clean that I havent yet?
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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did you check the fluids? what about the fan. is it still functioning?

check the radiator hoses?

that is what i would look at first.
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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check for leaks in your cooling lines, maybe check the raditor EXTRA close for leakes, maybe try just sitting still and see if it over heats.............just ideas/quick checks
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Originally Posted by zabeard
did you check the fluids? what about the fan. is it still functioning?

check the radiator hoses?

that is what i would look at first.
Man me and you are good. hit just bout the same thing at the same time! lol


Originally Posted by tiffanya21
Is there something I need to clean that I havent yet?
And it has nothing to do with it but, clean the MAF, carb, ect. ya get the idea
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Originally Posted by fletch12518
Man me and you are good. hit just bout the same thing at the same time! lol
actually i beat ya by a min.
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Yeah it doesnt heat just sitting there. I left it running for a few before I left for work the first time to make sure it wasnt going to overheat on me on my way there. I will definitely check the fan and for leaks in hoses when I get out of here.

Stupid question: Would the hoses leak ONLY when my truck is on because the fluids are flowing or is there standing fluid meaning that even if my truck is off it would still leak and when I go out there will be a puddle???

PS- I dont know a whole lot about under the hood, so teach me something here :)
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Maybe I just need to clean EVERYTHING really really well.

My brother told me to consider spraying this cleaning stuff (25% solution and 75% water) on my radiator lightly and that would help get the mudd out of there that is stuck! Should I try it?!
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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It most likely won't leak just sitting still because nothing's flowing. Also check your waterpump and thermostat housing just to be certain. Make sure there's no mud on the front of your radiator either that would restrict air flow and make it run hot. Make sure no cooler lines are pinched either from say hitting something while mudding. I ALWAYS check mine really well after beating on her for just this reason.
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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I use simple green on my engine after i go. It works fin and cleans it up sharp! But thats me and everyone is different. As for leakes it is better to have it running so there is pressure in the lines but pending on how big the leak hole is it should leak(not as much when it is running) a little bit. This happen to my uncles jeep once. try it out atleast

Originally Posted by ericg
It most likely won't leak just sitting still because nothing's flowing. Also check your waterpump and thermostat housing just to be certain. Make sure there's no mud on the front of your radiator either that would restrict air flow and make it run hot. Make sure no cooler lines are pinched either from say hitting something while mudding. I ALWAYS check mine really well after beating on her for just this reason.

damn ya beat me again!!! jeez we also think alike!
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Sounds like an airflow problem through the radiator which is probably caked in mud. At 60 miles per hour the fan itself has no real benefit. The speed of the truck should be pushing enough air to cool it. Check the radiator fluid also. The overflow should have coolant. Check in the radiator cap itself to make sure. Do it with the engine cold.
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Yeah thats next. The radiator was CAKED with mudd. I washed it off. I also checked the fluid last night and it was still full. So Im going to check under the cap later tonight.

I checked for leaks breifly at lunch and didnt see anything. But like you said it could be a small slow leak. I didnt think about kinks in the lines I will check for that. Possibility being as how rough it was last night.

Man could be anything....LoL! Thanks for the help I have gotten from you guys already!
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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try washing from the backside of the radiator out. it might help get the mud out easier.
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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DONE! come on Im a smart blonde...
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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so it was just covered huh? cant cool that coolant much like that! lol
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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As soon as I realized the damage that was done, I got out of there and to water as fast as I could and washed it off. Yes I know, she couldnt breath covered in mudd but I gave her CPR immediately. That shouldnt be affecting her still, I dont think?!?!?!
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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O i just thought of something that might help..........DON'T GO 4 WHEELIN IN MUD! LOL j/k budd! and yes, you are a smart blonde! ha!
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Originally Posted by tiffanya21
As soon as I realized the damage that was done, I got out of there and to water as fast as I could and washed it off. Yes I know, she couldnt breath covered in mudd but I gave her CPR immediately. That shouldnt be affecting her still, I dont think?!?!?!
Trust me, its the little things ya can't see or don't know about that can come up and bite ya in the butt! never hurt to double check 3 or 4 times even. the quote i always stick too..... "measure twice, cut once".........
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Originally Posted by fletch12518
O i just thought of something that might help..........DON'T GO 4 WHEELIN IN MUD! LOL j/k budd! and yes, you are a smart blonde! ha!

are you asking me to just end my life OMG. ME not go 4WHEELING in MUDD are you NUTS?! Come on you know me better than that Shane! hahaha I know I have to check and check and check! blah blah blah Dad. HaHaHa. I think I just need to hire on a hott male mechanic to work on my truck for me after I go offroading!..............Wheres Gil when you need him?! LMAO!
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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lol ok than, dont listen to dad! roflmao j/k
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Originally Posted by tiffanya21
Wheres Gil when you need him?! LMAO!
oh someone has the hots for Gil. no way. what would anyone want with that mexican.
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Originally Posted by zabeard
oh someone has the hots for Gil. no way. what would anyone want with that mexican.
Me and Gil are pals! that silly mexican....
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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oh ok, just pals huh
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Originally Posted by zabeard
oh ok, just pals huh
hmmmmmmmmm interesting
 
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Old 05-18-2006
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Truck........overheating............hahahaha
 
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um o yeah, whoops............................
 

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