I have an 87 Ford Ranger, temp gague went to 3/4. Coollant 1/2 qt low. Added coolant. No vis leaks. worry?

Question

The truck had been sitting for 6 months and I just got it. I didnt check the coolant level (please dont call me an idiot, though probably I am). I dont see any oil in the coolant or anything in the oil. I checked the coolant again and it was fine. Do you think I should panic or just keep an eye on it. Someone at the autoparts store told me the Ford 2.9 V6 is notorious for cracked heads. I have no money and I need to drive this thing. Could the coolant have evaporated? No other problems running or driving. Engine was rebuilt 500 miles before I bought the truck.

P.S I commute 67 miles each way to work if that is a factor. I plan to run the hell out of this truck.

Answer 1

In a word, NO. The previous owner probably didn't have to add any coolant or have even checked it. There are a couple of things to consider here. First, how many times do we actually check our fluid levels? And let's be totally honest here. As a car guy myself and knowing that it is important to check, I don't check it that often. Heck, I'll bet that dodgeman, as knowledgeable as he touts himself to be doesn't check his own coolant that often! So that in and of itself could be one thing. And evaporation could be a large part of that. Secondly, since the engine was rebuilt, that means that the coolant had been drained from the engine, and the cooling system refilled. When you refill a cooling system, there are air pockets that are impossible to fill. The only way to get them filled is to run the engine and circulate the water. That could very well account for the 1/2 quart there. A pint of coolant (1/2 quart) is not a lot. Had you said 1/2 gallon, then you might have something to consider. So worry on a half quart? Heavens, no! The 2.9 liter engine does have problems with cracked heads, but I would run the pickup as long as you can while obviously keeping an eye on the oil, coolant, etc. And as far as blame for the 1/2 quart low, no one is to blame. It's just something that happened. Enjoy the truck while you can. When that engine craps out, drop a 302 (5.0 litre) in it, and really drive the hell out of it!

Answer 2

Having ran an automotive machine shop for 4 years, I can tell you 2 things:

The 2.9l V-6 heads are notorious for cracking when over-heated.

If the gauge went to "3/4", and the coolant was only 1/2 qt low, then there might be other issues. a 1/2 qt low is not all that bad, and depending on where the coolant temperature sensor is (I think it's in the cylinder head), a lack of adequate circulation may be the bigger issue.

If there is a crack in the head, you won't see any coolant loss underneath the vehicle, but you may see sufficient vaporization of it out the tailpipe.

The best thing to do is to pressure test your coolant system. If there's a leak anywhere, it will show up.

Also, check to see if your thermostat is working properly. If it's not opening, then you will have a circulation/over-heating problem.

With a 67 mile commute, you better be sure your engine is well taken care of.

Answer 3

no longer good besides you look at it. there is an person-friendly try you need to attempt this will locate exaust gas interior the cooling gadget only by eliminating the radiator cap. this can be done by maximum vehicle restore centers. next you'll get rid of the spark plugs and search for glaring moist cylinders and or do a leak down try or an person-friendly compression try. opportunities are severe the motor ran low on coolant for a at the same time as and or overheated. What you're searching at more beneficial than probable is a blown head gasket. i don't have the posh of what style of vehicle, engine length and so on yet it truly is a particularly vast pastime, so typically customers only change the motor for a rebuilt one. Head gasket alternative with each and each and every of the fan fare is about $1000.00 and a rebuilt motor is about $2000.00. you be sure? there is an outdoors probability it could be some thing as minor as an intake gasket leaking yet you quite opt to examine which cylinders are being affected. you may attempt those miracle block seal products in case you only opt to promote off the vehicle yet what sort of individual are then you definitely? and they seldom paintings out for lengthy. signals being faster or later this motor were given very warm and someone did not act subsequently. appears like a chick situation :-), Kidding, no longer. wish that help$

Answer 4

1/2 quart of coolant is no big deal. yes that engine is very poor for heads . just keep an eye on things check the coolant every day 3/4 on the temp Gage is not bad either

Answer 5

i would replace the temp. sensor and get an aftermarket gauge, keep an eye on your fluids and go with synthetic oil , unless it uses a lot , you want to keep this thing going , if it gets too warm run the heater , rather you be uncomfortable than stranded , good luck , beaters are cool .

Answer 6

do any of the other gauges read high? there is a voltage reulator in the dash that controls this and can make them all read high sometimes.

if it is losing a little water every week, you can try some Bars Leak, with the pellets, or more serious, get theblock sealer. it will keep you going :)