2001 cooling fan... how do I test it?

[allanz]

my ranger went haywire today I had driven 15 miles when I heard a noise then the check guage light came on I experienced a momentary loss of engine power then the temperature gauge started climbing until it pegged out above the red . I stopped and turned off the engine, looked under the truck no leaks opened hood no liquid on engine let sit for half an hour refilled water resevoir checked fuses for shorts (unable to test block#55 fuse) all others ok. started engine let idle for 10 minutes temperture ok drove 50 miles and check gague light back on temperature pegged on red....Help

 

[Red FX4]

If you are driving at least 30 mph, you should not over heat even if you have no fan. The air coming through the radiator from the speed of the vehicle will give you sufficient cooling. If it does not over heat at idle, your fan is working well.

I think you need to be checking out the thermostat or blockage of coolant flow in the radiator or the coolant passages. Your water pump may be bad but a broken water pump should cause overheating sooner than 50 miles. It could be damage and just not flowing enough water.

You should also check the level of the coolant in the radiator. Filling the reservoir does not add coolant to the radiator. The radiator should be full to the top.

 

[allanz]

Thanks for the input, I just purchased a new thermostat, only place that carried one was the dealer cost me $64.00 plus tax. I REMOVED The old one I think it is NFG, when I pulled it out springs flew everywhere.. It got to cold out so I'm going to install the new one today.. thanks again, I am sort of clueless in some areas.Allanz