Engine temp only reaches about 115 degrees F after new radiator installation
 

Hello this is my first actual post here so sorry if this isn't the right place for it.

I replaced the radiator on my 1998 Ford ranger 2.5 L automatic today because it kept leaking fluid and I would have to top it off every so often. After replacing the radiator I thought I put enough coolant into the engine, I didn't, and it got up top 212F -ish , I then realized my mistake and turned it off then started to properly fill the system and bleed as much air as possible. Now after that my temperatures come out to 100ish off the start and never above 120 (I'm getting my temperature readings through a Bluetooth OBD reader) and my heat is only blowing cold air. I can't believe it being being a thermostat as I just had that replaced last spring when I had other engine work being done. The fan runs just fine and the temp sensors where also replaced with the thermostat.

Is there anything else that would cause this issue?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Possibly the ThermoStat is stuck open, not allowing coolant\engine to fully warm up.
Had this happen on my 2001 V6 a few years back after installing a "new" ThermoStat.
That ThermoStat's Spring decided to slip sideways, causing it to stick once full open during first driving cycle;
solution was another different brand ThermoStat with the same TempRating.

110 - 120 degree water should be at least warm air from the heater, that's about the temp of the hot water in your house/apt.

Your heater core probably still has an air pocket in it.

To refill coolant remove either heater hose at the firewall
Fill radiator until coolant is coming out heater core at firewall AND the unhooked hose
Put hose back on, all air is out

If you overheat a thermostat, even a new one, it can get stuck open and needs to be replaced

Just as well swap the heater hose connections if that hasn't been done recently.

The 2.3L (at least mine) does NOT have a water valve at all….

All the hot water goes through the core all the time! (Only if you follow RonD’s advice)

The Ranger regulates heat to the cabin by using a blend door to either allow hot air or a portion of hot air.

Best to take an infrared heat gun and measure the piping going in and out of heater from engine. Or use your palm.
My water is 160 degrees!!!!!

Perhaps you didn’t burp all the air out? I had to do it for 10 minutes!

(I spent the 10 minutes squeezing the upper radiator hose per the video on my other thread here. Not constantly, but every 30 seconds for 10 minutes. Burps would occur….)

Or your blend door has failed.