'02 Ranger no faster than 30mph overheating?

[rmunson]

The tempature and oil gauges have been jumping all over for the last week. I've checked both the oil level and antifreeze and both are okay. I have it scheduled to go be checked out on the 17th, but today my husband drove it home and it would not go over 30mph and was rattling. Is it the thermostat?

 

[1AJeremyD]

Welcome to the forum! If the engine won't go over 30 then something definitely gone internally inside the engine. Might want to check that oil again for antifreeze or the antifreeze for oil. Sounds like the head gasket blew on the truck

 

[rmunson]

Asked my husband again, and he said when he went down hill it went above 30, but when he went up a large hill (with all the snow) it started rumbling and shaking, so he didn't go any faster (if he went under 30mph, then it didn't do it)

 

[rmunson]

sorry for all the posts...still collecting information

He said when the temp gauge was normal it would go as fast as he wanted it to go...it was when the temp gauge went up and he started going up the hill that's when it started shaking and everything...

 

[1AJeremyD]

Might have an air pocket in the systems and the water pump is getting beaten up when it starts to over heat.