I have a 97 Explorer Limited SOHC. A few weeks ago I started up the truck and within a few minutes the temp gauge was all the way at the top and the computer in the console told me to check the engine temperature. Since then, every time I start it, even if it has been sitting for days, the gauge stays right at the red line but will move to either side just a bit. As soon as it is over the red line the computer tells me to check the temperature. Since the gauge does move a little bit I was thinking the problem is the temperature sending unit. I looked in my Haynes manual and it says that to replace the sending unit I must remove the upper intake! I check it out and I think that if I remove a few hoses and use enough U-joints on a socket that I can probably get it out of there without removing the intake. Has anyone done this before?
I searched this group and I found a few threads that are similar. Seems that some people had a bad thermostat and the engine really was overheating. I don't think this is the case for me as even a cold start keeps the gauge in the red. Another person ended up having a faulty gauge but since mine does move a little I'm leaning towards the sensor. What do you think is the likely culprit here?
Any help is appreciated, Dave