Using/Burning coolant?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Everett, WA
Using/Burning coolant?
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
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houma,La
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Alvin, Texas.
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....
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....
Last edited by AlfredB1979; Dec 29, 2004 at 06:35 AM.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Everett, WA
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.
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.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Franklin, GA
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.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Everett, WA
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.
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Elder User
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From: Franklin, GA
If you smell it primarily outside of the vehicle, the pressure test should locate the problem area for you.
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