1999 Ford Ranger Thumping Sound

1999 FORD RANGER
197,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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BETHSITTON
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When I arrived at work after a 28 mile drive on the interstate I could hear a thumping noise coming from under the hood. I turned off the engine and the thumping continued. I counted 65 thumps after the engine was turned off.
Any ideas?
Sep 8, 2009 at 6:47 AM
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MERLIN2021
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Check your cooling system, could be boiling in the radiator you hear! Check for stuck thermostat.
Sep 8, 2009 at 7:46 AM
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BETHSITTON
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If the thermostat was stuck and the radiator water was boiling, would the gauge on the dash indicate overheating?
My thermostat was just replaced about 2 months ago.
Sep 8, 2009 at 1:35 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Maybe! Fords tend to not indicate accuratly enough, my Sable can boil all antifreeze out and NO movement past normal on the gauge. Check antifreeze level.
Sep 8, 2009 at 3:33 PM
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BETHSITTON
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Thanks, I'll do that. Do you want to know the outcome?
Sep 9, 2009 at 6:33 AM
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MERLIN2021
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It's always nice to find out the results!
Sep 10, 2009 at 2:34 AM
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BETHSITTON
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Well, that wasn't it. Could the thumping be related to the air conditioning system....condenser? It's so strange that the thumping goes on after the engine has been shut off.
Sep 14, 2009 at 8:07 AM
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MERLIN2021
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A/C pressures will equalize after it's shut off, if it's thumping there could be a restriction in the system, how good does the a/c work?
Sep 14, 2009 at 1:08 PM
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DENIS POOLE
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My ford did the same thing, ended up being the thermostat and seal needed replacing. Fixed a lot of my radiator overheating problems and leaks
Jan 13, 2020 at 2:51 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Thanks for the addition to this site. I am sure that info will help others. Please come back when you have an issue that we can assist with.
Jan 13, 2020 at 3:09 PM