HI, I have a 98 Ranger 4.0L w/ Auto Tranny w/ 45,000 miles on it I am using/burning approx. a quart of coolant per month. I have had the radiator flushed two months ago. The radiator cap was replaced (13 lb.) at the time of the radiator flush. I did have the thermostat replaced 10,000 miles ago. There are no leaks or obvious signs of damage. I have checked the oil repeatedly for water. I do smell radiator fluid occasionally after driving for 20 or 30 miles, however it is not constant. There is no fluid in the cab (thinking heater core). Any Ideas? Thanks, Blue

 

Are you having any smoke coming form the tail pipe?I have heard of small head gasket leaks start out that way.I would also try letting it idle in the drive way for about 20 minutes just to see if you might have a really small leak.

 

No Smoke and it does not over heat or run cold. That was a thought that I forgot to mention earlier.

 

Check your hoses.

I remember when I had my Isuzu truck a few years back. Thankfully, I only live a few minutes from the college campus and the main drag and home....I was 1/2-low when I popped the hood at the local Sonic. Thought I had a head gasket cannibalize itself. Turned out to be a pinhole leak that made this tiny stream of juice aimed right at the underside of the hood.

Made it home, though....

 

Thanks Alfred

The hoses are all good, I replaced them at the time I replaced at the time I did the thermostat. I also have gone over them with the engine running with a white towel.

 

If you smell it in the cab, just because you don't have a wet floor doesn't mean the heater core isn't leaking. The condensation drain tube may be where the leak runs out of the vehicle instead of the floor. Pressure test the system and next time you smell coolant while driving, pull over and see if you have any "green" drippings from the drain tube.

 

Thanks peach, I will give that a try. I usually smell it only around the front end outside of the truck. But I will pay more attention in the cab now on.

 

If you smell it primarily outside of the vehicle, the pressure test should locate the problem area for you.