2.3l ranger keeps overheating, been through two radiators already.

If your 1998 Cutlass is overheating and the heater is blowing out cold air, and you are also noticing that coolant is leaking out, there are a few possible causes. Here are some things to check:

Check for a coolant leak: Start by checking the engine and radiator for any visible signs of a coolant leak. It's possible that a hose or other part of the cooling system may be damaged or loose, causing coolant to leak out.

Check the radiator: If the radiator is not working properly, it can cause the engine to overheat. Check to make sure the radiator is not clogged or damaged.

Check the water pump: The water pump circulates the coolant through the engine. If it's not working properly, coolant may not be flowing through the system correctly, causing the engine to overheat.

Check the cooling fan: The cooling fan helps to keep the engine cool by pulling air through the radiator. If it's not working properly, the engine may overheat.

Check the thermostat: Even though you recently replaced the thermostat, it's possible that it's not working correctly. A faulty thermostat can cause the engine to overheat.

It's important to address any issues with the cooling system as soon as possible, as overheating can cause serious damage to the engine. If you are not comfortable diagnosing and repairing the issue yourself, it's recommended to take your car to a qualified mechanic.

check the actual radiator cap, and all radiator plugs

The only other thing I can think of is maybe you put in the wrong kind of coolant? Not every type of coolant works in every car. Other than that, try head gasket sealer because if your head gasket is leaking, it can't be a big leak, otherwise you'd have problems right away.

For a coolant leak you need to check all the hoses and fittings by radiator, heater core, expansion tank for leaks and/or integrity. Also make sure that your water pump is not leaking along with radiator cap and thermostat body. Overheat condition has no effect on battery - if it does not hld charge it is because it is chemically worn out and needs replacement. Until you correct water loss, have extra water in car at all times and run your heater full blast - windows open!!!!

Have you had the radiator tested for emission blow by?
Radiator Specialists can be of assistance with this testing device. Will indicate if the head gasket is leaking and cause overheating.

Check you to see that you don't have loose or leaking cooling hoses, a bad radiator cap, a loose radiator drain plug, or a failing water pump.



If all these are OK, put a bottle of BAR's radiator stop in the radiator and run the engine in idle for 15 to 30 minutes. Available at your local auto parts store.

If your leak is not to serious, this should fix the problem. Put a bottle of radiator stop leak in your cooling system and repeat the procedure once every six months, to lubricate the water pump and keep leaks sealed.

your car problem is overheating, some car model like yours is designed to shut-down engine when engine temp. rise so as to avoid frying the engine. your engine overheating problem is attributed by one of these factors:
1. check or refill radiator water if less
2.check radiator cooling fan operation-if damaged pls. change or check the electrical system.
3. damage/ worn water pump-if damage pls. change the water pump.
4. check for any coolant leak somewhere the coolant line-pls. rectify the leak.
5.worn coolant reservoir cap- change if damaged.
6. clogged radiator-if clogged pls. change it.
7. damaged thermostat valve.

I had the same problem, whole new radiator, new hoses, new thermostat, and still overheating. What the problem was for me...bad radiator cap...all that money and a $20 fix...try it?

plastic impeller on water pump has come adrift

1. start the engine and leave the radiator cap open.
2. put a cardboard cover or a rug in the front of you radiator.
3. let it runs 20 minutes or more, see if it is overheated and see the water or coolant in the radiator circulated or not. If not, as soon as you have already changed water pump. thermostate and check the hoses, no leak, I think your radiator was blocked.

Did you put stop leak before?