Ok guys, I have a 98 ranger 4.0L that has been using antifreeze about a quart every week for about two months now. I had the thermostat replaced at the dealer about a year ago. I have been all over the engine looking for a leak, and replaced the radiator cap. I smell antifreeze in the air outside of the truck after normal driving (20 min trip to work). The thermostat in the dash says that the engine is in normal range, maybe a little higher than it has in the past. I do not see any steam or condensation out the tail pipe. I even put a small towel over it and let it idle for 15 mins to see if it was burning clear.

I am thinking heads, there are no oil leaks in the motor and the oil is not full of water when changing it. I changed it twice just to be sure. Any ideas anyone? I am at a total loss.

 

Any wet spots? Might be a pinhole leak that's opening under the pressure.

 

There is absolutely no wet spots anywhere in the engine bay or on the ground under the truck. That's what is driving me nuts! No signs of leak, did the white towel along the hoses after cleaning them and then running the engine for a 15 min drive.

 

Check the radiator, they like to leak where the end tanks are crimped to the core. Also, look for coolant stains seeping on the exhaust manifolds.

If there aren't any external leaks, then IMO you're looking at either a failed lower intake gasket, or head/headgasket issues.

Have you had any misfires lately?

 

Also check the little hose that goes from the top of the radiator back to the overflow tank. Sometimes they come off because Ford did put any kind of fastner on it, it just a slip-on connection. They will leak when warming up and drip and then show nothing when parked...
Dave

 

Also inspect all hose connections for evidence of leakage; likewise at the weep hole on the water pump.

 

If you think it's a external leak, you can add a dye to the coolant, drive it for a time to let it leak some, then use a UV light to make the dye glow & trace it that way.
Most autoparts stores now sell a kit with dye & UV light to do this.

If it's internal, the dye will likely show signs on the spark plugs. If it's being burned in the cylinders, you should be able to smell it in the exhaust. Sorta sweet, like antifreeze smells.

I had a slow leak, about a qt every 6 weeks, on my 99, 4.0L, begining in Oct of 99, that the dye test didn't find.

Dealer & Ford replaced the heads, the factory said some castings were reported to be "porous", that didn't fix it.
Head gaskets twice, that didn't fix it, then finally fixing it under warranty, with "Revised" head gaskets on 9/16/02.

The "Revised" head gaskets were Ford part numbers, YU3Z-6051-AA & YU3Z-6051-BB.

So if you find head gaskets to be your problem I'd consider using the above "revised" head gaskets as replacements.
It's not leaked since they were installed in Sept. 02.

Yup, it took them 3 years to run this one completely down, but to the credit of Ford factory support & the Dealer, Magic City Ford in Roanoke Va, neither backed away from the problem & stuck with it, until the problem was PUT RIGHT!!!

So, as much as your's is leaking, you might find the dye test will work fine & point the way. Let us know what you find.

 

when the green antifreeze burns, it leaves an orange stain. look for signs of this on the radiator and manifold. it might be a little tougher on the manifold with the rust.

 

Heater core?
Piffery1

 

I would look really close at any hot spots, manifold, t-stat housing, etc....If you can smell it I would think it is being burned off of a hot spot, maybe not going out the exhaust pipe but down the side of the engine or manifold.

The dye thing sounds like a good idea. Also look closely at all the hoses for a shiney coating or spots. I had a small leak that was driving me crazy and then one day I notice a few spots on one of the hoses and found the hose clamp was letting it leak, spray on the manifold and be evaperated before making a puddle. Once the engine cooled, no more pressure, no more leak.

Good luck

 

i had the same problem with my 88 2.9 with over 200000 miles it started to go though water until it would use over one gallon every day!.. found bad head gasket, then just rebuilt it!

 

I will try the dye this weekend. I am thinking head gaskets my self, so I have scheduled a dealer appointment, It is still under warranty. I will let every one know as soon as I find something.
Thanks

 

HOLD ON!!!!, if it's under warranty I'd let the dealer add the dye. like I did, so there is a record of it being done under warranty, by the Dealer.

Ford will likly require the dealer to do this dye test anyway, as part of their troubleshooting tree.

So I'd not add the aftermarket dye to it, just to be warranty safe.
Let them do whatever is called for to confirm the leak.

You've already paid for this warranty when you bought the vehicle, so don't do anything that might give them an excuse for denial of warranty. IMHO

 

I agree with PawPaw!!!! If you put the dye in Ford will come up with some statement which will void the warranty and you will be responsible for all labor and parts of the repair....if it is the head gasket this could be expensive!!!

 

YOu caught me just in time. I was going to stop on the way home and pick up the dye. Now I will just take it to dealer and let them deal with it. Thanks!!!