1997 ford ranchero outback heat gage not on hot but cuts out starter

SOURCE: Outback 1997 was overheating. Temperature

sounds like heater problem.not enough flow down to waterpump.
solution cut heater hoses and add to t junctions and join bypass so water flows through heater and through bypass straight to waterpump.

SOURCE: 1997 Subaru Outback with temperarure problems

check the coolant level - you may have low coolant, causing the sensor to occasionally read an air pocket. If you don't correct this you will burn out your motor.
We had this problem & eventually replaced both the thermostat and radiator cap, being careful to bleed out any air pockets by running the engine form cold with the heater on hot and the radiator cap off - keep watching & topping up the coolant as the enigine heats & the thermostat opens.
Good luck!

SOURCE: starter wont stop spinning

The starter relay may be sticking on start. Get someone to start truck and when problem starts hit relay lightly wih hammer. A cheap voltmeter will tell you if relay is sticking or still energised from ingnition switch after key release from start position.

SOURCE: 1995 ford thunderbird4.6 engine running hot. changed water pump,

Either your head gaskets are bad, or your radiator is bad. If there is no coolant, or muck on your oil dipstick, then it is your radiator. Replace it and your issue will cease. It's worth the expense to buy a "new" one. Used may be good for a week, a month, or 2 years; you never know.

SOURCE: 1997 subaru, starter would not engage when hot,

You need to make sure that the grounds for the body and motor are good. Sometimes just turning the bolt will clean them up but better to remove, clean and replace. Also make sure battery terminals and wires are clean and secure. Hope this helps and have a great day.