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Heats up at idle

Tiny
JUSTIN STUDDARD
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 FORD RANGER
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
My truck will start to get hot at idle if I let it sit running for awhile. It doesn't fully hit the hot mark but on a percentage I would say the needle is at about 80/90%.I also hear a gurgling noise sometimes from what I think may be the heater core from the passenger side floorboard or dash. I don't think it's the thermostat as it is opening and closing an doing it's job. Could it just be air in the system or should I be concerned about more serious problems? Haven't noticed any leaks or drop in any fluids either.
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Thursday, March 19th, 2020 AT 11:20 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

I would start by checking the cooling fan to be sure it is working. Heating up at idle is usually an air flow issue from the fan itself.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

I would also change the thermostat.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Roy
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Thursday, March 19th, 2020 AT 11:44 AM
Tiny
JUSTIN STUDDARD
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  • 49 POSTS
The fan seems to run all the time it's belt driven and I've never seen it not run. Also you think it could be the thermostat going out? I would think it would overheat while driving but I could be wrong. When driving it stays right in the middle like it should it only happens when I have it parked and it's just idling for like 5-10 minutes.
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Thursday, March 19th, 2020 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
JUSTIN STUDDARD
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
I'm off tomorrow so I'll go ahead and throw a new thermostat in since that's pretty cheap anyways and it probably wouldn't hurt to change it. Would that cause the gurgling noise I keep hearing?
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Thursday, March 19th, 2020 AT 11:51 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Yes, it could.

I would also clean out the fins in the radiator of all dirt and debris as that dirt could also be causing this issue.

I still think the clutch fan could be the issue.

Roy
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Thursday, March 19th, 2020 AT 11:52 AM
Tiny
JUSTIN STUDDARD
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
What would I look for on the fan if it's turning properly?
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Thursday, March 19th, 2020 AT 11:56 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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  • 52,797 POSTS
You should feel air being drawn through the front of the truck at idle. You should be able to feel it with your hand or you could put a piece of paper in front of the radiator and it should stick to the radiator.

Roy
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Thursday, March 19th, 2020 AT 11:59 AM
Tiny
JUSTIN STUDDARD
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Okay, I'll check that out. Appreciate your advice!
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Thursday, March 19th, 2020 AT 12:03 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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No problem.

We are here to help.

Roy
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Thursday, March 19th, 2020 AT 12:06 PM
Tiny
JUSTIN STUDDARD
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
So I replaced the thermostat and put a piece of paper on outside of radiator to make sure it was pulling in air like you suggested and the paper stuck right to the radiator. The problem is still there and I still hear what I believe to be is my heater core gurgling. Any other recommendations to try an solve this?
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Sunday, April 5th, 2020 AT 10:31 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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The noise is from air in the system.

I all the other stuff is good, then there is a chance that the head gasket may be damaged.

You need to do a leak down test to be sure it is the issue. That is when they remove the plugs and insert shop air into each cylinder and look for any movement in the cooling system.

Roy
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Sunday, April 5th, 2020 AT 10:47 AM
Tiny
JUSTIN STUDDARD
  • MEMBER
  • 49 POSTS
Do you think it could just be trapped air causing it? It doesn't happen every time at idle it's just random.
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Sunday, April 5th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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No, not at all. You need to have the test done.

Roy
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Sunday, April 5th, 2020 AT 11:08 AM
Tiny
JUSTIN STUDDARD
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Okay, thanks.
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Sunday, April 5th, 2020 AT 11:15 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Sunday, April 5th, 2020 AT 11:19 AM

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