1999 Ranger is running hot with no thermostat

1999 FORD RANGER
107,000 MILES
Avatar
HAMMER2990
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
After just buying this 1999 Ford Ranger 3.0 L and driving a long distance, the truck ran hot when stopped at an intersection. After inspecting I realized there is no thermostat. I added radiator flush and ran the motor for a while then tried to drain the radiator but nothing would come out of the stop cock. The top radiator hose is hot to the touch. How do I diagnose the problem?
Aug 24, 2013 at 9:22 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If nothing will come out of the petcock, then you will need to drain it by removing the lower radiator hose. Chances are the radiator is plugged.

As far as not having a thermostat, that in and of itself can cause the engine to overheat. Without the thermostat, there is no restriction for coolant flow. Thus, the coolant has no time to cool when going through the radiator.

Drain the cooling system, flush it, make sure the radiator is clean and not plugged, and replace the thermostat. My GUESS is someone removed the thermostat thinking it would stop it from overheating, but the real cause is a plugged radiator.

Let me know what you find.
Aug 24, 2013 at 7:40 PM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.