97 EB engine running hot

[TwistedMartini]

100K miles, SOHC 4.0 Engine seems to be running hot, will heat up until check gage light comes on and check engine temp message comes across. Will stay that way for about 30-45 seconds, and then will go back to high end of safe zone. Fluid is green and looks ok. I suspect thermostat, but when I went to put it on, it was very inaccessible. Lots of stuff in the way-air intake, etc. I thought i would consult before I started unbolting stuff. Relative newbie when it comes to this type of work. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Ranger Al]

Is the water pump leaking? I changed my thermostat at every 50K miles, need it for not just to be on the safe side. Its not that complicated to get to the thermostat. You'll just need to remove the air intake tube and 3 (maybe 2 bolts) holding the housing together.

Once you replace with new thermostat make sure you replace the coolant as well. You'll need distill water or 50/50 pre-mix anti-free to fill the lost coolant. Most people would use tap water, but the contaminat in the tap water will cut the coolant life to halve!