Slow coolant leak
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Slow coolant leak
I'm having a hard time tracking down a coolant leak on my '98 3.0 Ranger 2wd w/MT... but then I'm not the best mechanic. I can see the fluid from the bottom and it seems to drip down betwen the oil pan and the front of the transmission. I can see a trail on the oil pan itself and it looks like the drips that come off that normally hit the hot exhaust pipe. The drips off the front of the trans are usually still there when I get under the car. The top and bottom radiator hoses seem ok. Any ideas?
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
I would borrow a cooling system pressure tester, pressurize the system, and look for the leak source. A mirror and a flashlight may be helpful. I would first focus on the intake manifiold gasket followed by (gasp) the head gaskets. I will assume that you have checked each and every coolant hose and it's connection already.
*Parts stores like Schucks or Autozone might loan/rent the cooling system pressure tester.
*Parts stores like Schucks or Autozone might loan/rent the cooling system pressure tester.
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UPDATE: The shop says that it is coming from somewhere in the bell housing. They said they are going to have to pull the transmission to figure out what this is. They suspect it will be something like a freeze plug. Does this all make sense to you guys?
Also, the guy said that while he is in there I should think about doing the clutch even though it is still ok today. What other PM type things would you do if you where already into dropping the transmission? Main seal? Anything?
Also, the guy said that while he is in there I should think about doing the clutch even though it is still ok today. What other PM type things would you do if you where already into dropping the transmission? Main seal? Anything?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 765
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From: Moneta, VA
That could be it, but I'm not that familar with the 3.0L. I've never had any problems with my 2.3L's freeze plugs. If one freeze plug is bad, I'd replace them all so they won't fail you later on the highway.
How many miles is on your clutch? Depending on how old it is, I'd go ahead and replace it if it's due in the next couple years. The rear main should be fine. Slave cylinder might need replaced, too.
How many miles is on your clutch? Depending on how old it is, I'd go ahead and replace it if it's due in the next couple years. The rear main should be fine. Slave cylinder might need replaced, too.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Check the heater hoses at the heater control valve, that is where mine was leaking. It drops down on the right side manifold on the 4.0 liter and drip by the oil filter. It could be getting blown back on the transmission.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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Just had the same problem with my '96 3.0. It's a very good chance that it's the freeze plugs. Had the shop pull the tranny to replace the rear plugs. I also had a bad plug on the front of the left head that required removing the A/C and power steering units. I had the shop replace any plug they could get to with those parts removed. $500 to get it all done.
