Cooling System Help Please?
 

Hi Everyone!
I'm brand new to this forum, looking for help troubleshooting cooling system problem in my 1998 Ranger 4Cyl. 2.5 Liter. Here's a summary of what's been going on. I'd appreciate your comments/suggestions if anyone has heard of this set of contradictions in their ranger's cooling system. Thanks!
I got my ranger last winter, noticed how it took a long time to heat up to temp... I got heat, but barely enough, after 10 miles hi-way driving. The temp guage needle never rose far above Cold mark! Otherwise, all was fine, ran great.
Then all at once while driving on hwy, I heard "clicking" water-pump sound, smelled anti-freeze, and temp needle was half-way up to middle, I thought I was overheating, but nothing was leaking, and it cooled back down when I stopped. Ever since this, I hear a light "hissing" when I accelerate, when its up to temp.
I got the thermostat replaced recently, but now it heats up too much, too fast, gauge needle right up to middle, and now I MUST run heat on high-fan just to keep from over-heating it, and avoiding that dreaded "clicking" water-pump sound.
Oddly, when it idles, it still stays cool... even after 20 mins idling in warm weather! Also, after 20-mins hwy driving, I stopped because it was too hot, but felt bottom lower hose... ice cold!
What's going on here? PS: Anti-freeze looks fine... bright green & clear, no visible corrosion anywhere.
Thanks, BeeDee

Bad water pump or clogged radiator.

Have the cooling system flushed but you probably have a bad water pump.