The cooling system in my 98 Ranger 4.0L AC is supposed to have a capacity of 8.6 quarts.
I'm beginning to question that spec.
Can anyone tell me if that 8.6 qt is engine block only.
Is the heater core and/or radiator taken into consideration.?

 

From the 1998 Ranger Workshop Manual:

SECTION 303-03: Engine Cooling - General Specifications

Cooling System Capacity
· 2.5L Manual Transmission - 10L (10.5 quarts)
· 2.5L Automatic Transmission - 9.7L (10.2 quarts)
· 3.0L Manual Transmission - 14.4L (15.2 quarts)
· 3.0L Automatic Transmission - 14.1L (14.8 quarts)
· 4.0L Manual Transmission - 12.8L (13.5 quarts)
· 4.0L Automatic Transmission - 12.5L (13.2 quarts)

 

I appreciate your info. This makes more sense than what's written in my Ford Owners Manual, that came with the truck when I ordered it new in 98. AllData has it as 8.6 also. Looks to me like they're both wrong and yours is correct. Do you know if the cooling specs take into account the heater core and its plumbling.? I would guess that would add a quart or so.

 

I'm not 100% certain, but I would bet that the figures above take into account the entire cooling system - radiator, heater core, auto tranny, related plumbing, and the engine itself.

 

I'll go with your specs and logic. Good nuf for me. Thanks again.
cheers