Hello ,

I have a 2001 ford ranger 2.3 liter 5 speed. 147k miles. Had t-stat put in 1 year ago. Engine coolant bubbles when truck is shut off from underneath reservoir cap. I had a new radiator and reservoir tank put in last week and both were leaking.

Yesterday, mechanic tested my t-stat. He heated it up and said it opened fine but used a heater and that may have been too much heat (dont know what he used). But said head gasket is not cracked as oil is not in reservoir tank nor is coolant in oil. he is convinced the tstat stays closed when truck is off and thus causing the puke tank to bubble out. I get heat fine and it heats up right away. I did notice after whatever he did yestrday my gas mileage going down.

Does this sound like a need a new t-stat? And if so why do we have to but the housing as well, cant FORD just sell a t-stat and reuse housing?

Thanks

 

A reputable mechanic will just toss the t-stat and put in a new one.Not 'test' it.

 

Mine was sticking open. I just took it out, sanded it and it has worked just fine for over a year.

 

Actually a "reputable" mechanic WOULD test the thermostat so he can give his customer an accurate diagnosis so he is not wasting the customers time or money. A mechanic like this is usually busy with lots of work becuase his customers keep coming back because of his quality service