coolant leak

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Jan 24, 2006 | 03:06 PM

kaker12

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coolant leak

I am looking for some advice.
Just purchased a '98 4.0L, auto, Ford Ranger with about 95k miles.
Drove it home and had temperature fluctuations max temp to normal to max...
Added some coolant, no more fluctuations. (air bubble?)
Small coolant leak is present. Drips a spot about 2" diameter every night. The drops fall from the starter mounting bolt (drivers side). Have added about 1-2 qts. during the last 2 weeks.
No puff of smoke when started, no apparent coolant in the oil(oil level is not increasing & not milky)
Head gasket that leaks when motor is cool?

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Kurt

Jan 24, 2006 | 03:30 PM

Hank85713

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From: Tucson USA

check your heater hoses, they may have a loose clamp or small pin hole.

If nothing there you could possibly have heater core problems.

Jan 26, 2006 | 07:22 AM

kaker12

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OK thanks for info.
I am taking into the shop today for them to have a look.
Noticed a much smaller "puddle" this morning. about 1/2" diameter.
We'll post results...
thanks

Jan 26, 2006 | 08:22 AM

Rockledge

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From: Connecticut

A head gasket leak that big would in all likelyhood cause more driveability concerns than you are experiencing.

Jan 26, 2006 | 01:02 PM

kaker12

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Shop says a leaky freeze plug.
What's involved with that repair?
drain coolant, replace plug, refill with coolant.
depending on what needs to be removed to get at the plug...

Jan 26, 2006 | 02:14 PM

Rockledge

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Not sure, but it looks to be a real bear to get at the freeze plugs on my '98 4.0L which is probably similar to yours (4WD?).

Did the shop give you an estimate to replace the plug?

Jan 30, 2006 | 01:53 PM

kaker12

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Mine is a 2WD. Cost was $140 for the job. Sales split it with me since I just purchased the truck. $100 for labor. No leaks since last Thursday, January 26. (knock on wood)

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Feb 3, 2006 | 09:49 AM

kaker12

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Looks OK I guess. I haven't had the truck long enought to do alot of investigating. Still want to "tune up/ clean up" to improve mileage. Clean sensors, fuel filter, oil change, clean K&N, etc.