Hello all I have been reading this forum for the past hour and looks like I might receive some great info here, so here I go.

I have a ford ranger 2000, 3.0L flex engine in my truck with 245k miles on the truck. A month ago while driving down the road my engine would be running normal and then peg the meter for about 30 seconds and then drop back to normal for the rest of the day. It would also blow off the top of the coolant reservoir. The coolant has been brown in color since I have been just adding water until I resolve this problem. This seemed to be a daily thing for some time. I changed the radiator cap, and thermostat and thought the problem was fixed. Now she is doing this again. I have read many possible issue but not this type of problem. I am trying to figure if this is an air bubble built up in system, cracked heads, or head gaskets. No coolant in oil at all, Tailpipe seems to be wet and makes me believe if its a blown gasket but i could also be condensation on damp or humid days.

What i am trying to weigh is, what is my chances I have a cracked block, bad head gaskets, cracked head, or just a simple air pocket in the system.

Looking for some thoughts who may have been thru this type of problem or even some input who can provide some info for me to resolve this problem.

 

At that many miles, you could have a thermostat hanging up on you. Also, being that you have 245K on the engine and don't mention if the cooling system/heater core was ever flushed, I would start with a new thermostat and then a good flushing of the cooling/heater system. Then top off with NEW, not recycled coolant at a 50/50 mix. I always use NON Pre-Mix coolant as there is always some water left in the system. With your system, you're looking at 2 gallons of Antifreeze, followed by 2 gallons of water as depending on the transmission your system capacity is 14.8-15.1 quarts. I personally use PRESTONE flush and antifreeze products.

 

I have replaced the thermostat thinking the same thing. I will try the coolant flush but I still am afraid of somthing bigger.

 

You can get a test kit from NAPA Auto and test for combustion by-products in the coolant to check for a head gasket leak.

 

Thanks for the input "use common sense" I did not know that NAPA had things like this. I will check them out tommorow.

 

No problem. I try as much as I can. My head is full of information that just seem to be there. Good luck.