How do you find out why your 1988 ford ranger xlt is overheating?

Answer 1

These are all the things that I know of to check for overheating:

1. Check for low coolant

2. See if the radiator is blocked for any reason. (outside)

3. Check and replace the thermostat (if nessesary)

4. Cooling fan may not be working properly (not engaging properly or a bent blade perhaps)

5. Bad coolant (Smells horrible)

6. Oil may be too low (causes friction)

7. Water pump may be starting to go bad (not pushing the correct volume to cool engine)

8. Radiator or radiator cap may be bad (bad rad. internals or just the cap isn't pressurizing right anymore)

9. A coolant hose might be bad (blocked or sludge lined causing coolant to slow down)

10. Coolant passage in engine might be blocked (coolant sludge build-up, caused by not changing your coolant)

I know some of those things sound scary, but I am just naming all the possible things that I know of that could be wrong, if you can't do it yourself, take it to a shop and they can diagnose and fix the problem fast and cheap. Its better to give up before you break something serious... trust me I know all about that lol