99 Ranger with 215K miles. Head gasket issue

Im trying to help a family member out with their 99 ranger. 3.0L. Seems she has developed a head gasket leak and engine overheats if stationary and not running the heater at full max to remove some of the heat.

being how this t hing already has 215K on it really dont want to sink too much money in it. Just want to get it going for at least the summer until can buy something else.

What would be the best way to determine which cylinder head has the issue so we can only replace that head gasket?

Pull the plugs and compare how they look to each other. If you have
a blown gasket or cracked head, the cylinder with the defect will have
a discolored plug ceramic due to burning coolant.

Also check to see if there are bubbles or foaming in the radiator overflow
tank, which would confirm the headgasket problem. There are several
other reasons for overheating, such as a clogged radiator or faulty
fan clutch. Be sure before removing a head.

Might even be the thermostat, a simple fix...

Runnin'OnEmpty said:

Pull the plugs and compare how they look to each other. If you have
a blown gasket or cracked head, the cylinder with the defect will have
a discolored plug ceramic due to burning coolant.

Also check to see if there are bubbles or foaming in the radiator overflow
tank, which would confirm the headgasket problem. There are several
other reasons for overheating, such as a clogged radiator or faulty
fan clutch. Be sure before removing a head.

Might even be the thermostat, a simple fix...

Click to expand...

Have the bubbles at the radiator for sure. I will start pulling spark plugs and see which head it is.

I've gotta say, your symptom of overheats when stationary is a classic sign of a failed fan clutch.

As it over heats, the coolant starts to boil and will form the bubbles.

Made an absolute killer deal on a "dead" BMW 740iL like that. Seller was convinced it needed a fresh engine, all it really needed as a fan clutch and a throttle body gasket.

A blown head gasket will usually have other symptoms so listen for a miss or stumble at idle or at speed. Inspect the spark plugs, look for one that is much cleaner than the others. Try a compression check.