Does anybody make a larger radiator

[ranger_blue_92]

I'm tired of our 92 Ranger 3.0 overheating so does anybody make a larger radiator that will fit? It's hot here.

 

[something9000]

is the radiator thats in the truck stock?

 

[IZwack]

Maybe get a thermostat that's rated for a lower temp.

 

[FIND]

If it is overheating, that is a sign of a different problem that a larger radiator is not going to fix.

 

[Mudboy]

only way you should have to worry about a larger rad is if youre extremely modified or have a larger motor swapped in.

 

[ranger_blue_92]

I've replaced the readiator a couple of times. My biggest problem is it's 110+ here everyday lately. Then it gets hot, she lets it cool and opens the radiator cap allowing air into the system. The temp guage has quit working and I'm wondering if a replacement sender is hard to find. I ordered one but it looks like the sensor for the coolant temp for the computer. Does this 92 Ranger have two sensors? It's the 3.0 motor.

 

[safn1949]

If it is overheating, that is a sign of a different problem that a larger radiator is not going to fix.

What he said.....97% of over heating problems are caused by a radiator that is dirty and old,the other culprits are thermostats and blown head gaskets in my experience.

I drive a 2005 Volvo big rig down to southern Texas all the time with 770,000 miles on it with no overheating problems because we flush and maintain our cooling systems.104 F last week in Austin TX and no problem.Saw your post above,if she is going to let it idle in that temp I would go with an electric fan and 160 F thermostat.

Got a 2012 on Friday...yea me!

 

[FIND]

They are tested in conditions worse than you are likely subjecting yours to. A larger radiator probably wouldn't help you anyways, they are quite large and provide a fairly high amount of cooling.

What you should really do is flush your cooling system, do a good job of it, then replace your thermostat with one rated at a lower temp.

 

[IZwack]

I drive a 2005 Volvo big rig down to southern Texas all the time with 770,000 miles on it with no overheating problems because we flush and maintain our cooling systems.104 F last week in Austin TX and no problem.

Not to go too far on a tangent but diesels can run "cooler" than gasolines in general because they are thermodynamically and mechanically more efficient (compression ratio and therefore the much larger but slower "isentropic expansion" in the diesel cycle, and the overall lower RPM, due to high torque, which generates less friction in the system). So they will fare better in general in higher ambient temps than gasoline engines.

 

[safn1949]

Not to go too far on a tangent but diesels can run "cooler" than gasolines in general because they are thermodynamically and mechanically more efficient (compression ratio and therefore the much larger but slower "isentropic expansion" in the diesel cycle, and the overall lower RPM, due to high torque, which generates less friction in the system). So they will fare better in general in higher ambient temps than gasoline engines.

Very true.

 

[Jason94sport]

I never found a larger one then the dual core HD cooling one offered on rock auto. Might be able to use that if you can custom the hoses.

They are tested in conditions worse than you are likely subjecting yours to. A larger radiator probably wouldn't help you anyways

If it's original, it may be time to replace it. There have been advances in radiator design since the stock one was made. And with prices & options available it may make more sense to buy a better one then stock if you have to replace the thing anyway. And in my climate a better radiator & cooling system, low temp TS, low pressure radiator cap & a lower temp fan switch(if you have electric fans) works.

 

[FIND]

If it's original, it may be time to replace it. There have been advances in radiator design since the stock one was made. And with prices & options available it may make more sense to buy a better one then stock if you have to replace the thing anyway. And in my climate a better radiator & cooling system, low temp TS, low pressure radiator cap & a lower temp fan switch(if you have electric fans) works.

No... there haven't really been any changes in radiator technology, they are basically the same thing they have always been, some tubes run between a bunch of cooling fins.... and anything he can replace it with is basically going to be the same design. Plus, he said he has replaced it a couple times already. A good coolant flush and a lower temp thermostat, check the fan clutch for proper operation and he should be good to go.

 

[ranger_blue_92]

Thanks for all the responses. I flushed it out and replaced the temp guage sending uniit. I was so happy that worked, I didn't check the coolant after she drove it and the thermostat opened. What a dumba**! She was so happy the guage worked that I was a hero for the afternoon.