I have a 1991 2.9 manual trans 4 x4 ranger that is leaking anitfreeze around the head on the passenger side. My question is - Is this a head gasket only problem? or is the head probably cracked? And how easy of fix? What should I expect? thanks

 

Well...trace it back. See where the leak originates. Have you overheated it. By the way you worded your post, I assume you're familiar with the head cracking problem with 2.9Ls. If the leak comes from between the head/block sealing surface I'd suspect the gasket, but if it comes from the head itself...you get the idea.

Either way, the head's gonna have to come off. If it's in need, good time for a rebuild.

RP
Zach

 

I can not locate the exact place it is leaking. Although it takes about 20 - 30 minutes before it does so. And it has never overheated> Any ideas??? thansk..

 

I can not locate the exact place it is leaking. Although it takes about 20 - 30 minutes before it does so. And it has never overheated. The leak drops towards the back the the passenger bank and on top of the fuel injection manifold, but I can not see exaclty where- yet ---Any ideas??? thanks..

 

Not sure what they're called, but there's a tool out there that you attach to the radiator and you pump in pressure (like a bicycle tire pump) to the same psi that's shown on your radiator cap. With pressure applied, you should be able to see or hear the leak. Check autoparts store loan-a-tool to see if they have it.