Heats up at idle

2006 FORD RANGER
160,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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JUSTIN STUDDARD
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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.
Mar 19, 2020 at 11:20 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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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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Mar 19, 2020 at 11:44 AM
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JUSTIN STUDDARD
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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.
Mar 19, 2020 at 11:48 AM
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JUSTIN STUDDARD
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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?
Mar 19, 2020 at 11:51 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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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
Mar 19, 2020 at 11:52 AM
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JUSTIN STUDDARD
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What would I look for on the fan if it's turning properly?
Mar 19, 2020 at 11:56 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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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
Mar 19, 2020 at 11:59 AM
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JUSTIN STUDDARD
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Okay, I'll check that out. appreciate your advice!
Mar 19, 2020 at 12:03 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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No problem.

We are here to help.

Roy
Mar 19, 2020 at 12:06 PM
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JUSTIN STUDDARD
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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?
Apr 5, 2020 at 10:31 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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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
Apr 5, 2020 at 10:47 AM
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JUSTIN STUDDARD
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Do you think it could just be trapped air causing it? It doesn't happen every time at idle it's just random.
Apr 5, 2020 at 10:53 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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No, not at all. You need to have the test done.

Roy
Apr 5, 2020 at 11:08 AM
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JUSTIN STUDDARD
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Okay, thanks.
Apr 5, 2020 at 11:15 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Apr 5, 2020 at 11:19 AM