Hey I have a 2003 Ford ranger 2.3 4cyl, automatic, 190,000 miles, I recently picked up a scan tool and my ECT temperature reads at 245-260 degrees F. Gauge is normal on the dash, no overheating, or coolant loss. My concern is that this operating temperature is WAY too high. I've read that these engines are supposed to run hot. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Love your channel, keep up the good work!
That’s too high
That does sound too hot, but it's possible the sensor reporting that temperature may be defective. (It's not necessarily the same sensor that operates the dash gauge.) Very close to boiling point of 50/50 antifreeze with typical cooling system pressure. Some additional info here:
put in a 160 degree themostat
why?
UHHH,,,,,,,,, it lets the engine run cooler?
obviously. But why? It robs power.
Yes, I've heard that you're MPG may drop a bit but i'd rather have a cooler running engine down here in Florida than worry about a few less miles per gallon.
And again, perhaps my heat in the winter may be decreased too but like I said the average summer temp here is 95 and the coldest I've seen in the winter is 55.
So, it's okay to run at 195 or more? Doesn't that put stress on the engine?
No! In fact wear on the moving parts is reduced and thermal efficiency is increased by operating at relatively high temperatures. (as long as coolant doesn't boil)
Lower engine temperatures result in inefficient combustion which causes increased fuel consumption, and increased wear with consequent reduced engine life.
The engine maker ran tests to determine optimum operating temp, and the engine doesn't care what state you live in.
And by power, I mean HP, not just MPG
Hmmmmmmmm I'm going to have to look into this some more. Wasn't the opposite true at one time tho?
I suppose i could switch to a 180 or 195, but i'm afraid [ deathly] of overheating the engine.
My temp gauge shows 160 degrees with the a/c on and I therefore assumed that I had a 160 stat.
I think the OEM one for my 95 Olds silhouette, 3.8 V-6 is 195 but i'm not sure.
yes, older cars had less power, looser restrictions, and lower pressure cooling systems.
A different thermostat won't make your engine suddenly overheat. The number is a range anyway. The thermostat doesn't snap open and shut at one particular temperature. It's gradually increases or decreases coolant flow.
I checked and It is supposed to be a 195.
I'm pretty sure its right on top of the engine, under the upper radiator hose, maybe?
I'm going to do a radiator flush and fill soon as I bought the car used and am not sure how old the coolant is and then switch out the stat. They are marked with the temp, aren't they?
I just ask for the correct thermostat for my vehicle