front cover leaking?
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front cover leaking?
This is something I'm working in my head?
The other day I pressure wash to get the grease off from a leaking rack & Pinion, I was cleaning the area to install a new one.
Here's where I'm confused?? Two days after I washed under the truck I saw very small amount of water leaking behind the water pump not the pump gasket, the wet water spot is behind the front cover gasket???
If I'm not mistaking behind this cover is the timing chain?
This is what I don't understand, I'm not sure if the water is from my pressure wash, or is possible to have water leaking out and between the front cover and the engine block where the chain is? the water pump gasket looks ok is the cover plate behind that's showing the small water drip?
I'll take pics later.
The other day I pressure wash to get the grease off from a leaking rack & Pinion, I was cleaning the area to install a new one.
Here's where I'm confused?? Two days after I washed under the truck I saw very small amount of water leaking behind the water pump not the pump gasket, the wet water spot is behind the front cover gasket???
If I'm not mistaking behind this cover is the timing chain?
This is what I don't understand, I'm not sure if the water is from my pressure wash, or is possible to have water leaking out and between the front cover and the engine block where the chain is? the water pump gasket looks ok is the cover plate behind that's showing the small water drip?
I'll take pics later.
Post Fiend
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Is it water or antifreeze? Did you drive the truck between the time you power washed it and you saw the water? Since it was two days, if it was just water from the pressure washing it probably would have fell or been blown off, especially if you drove it.
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Originally Posted by RangerPilot
Is it water or antifreeze? Did you drive the truck between the time you power washed it and you saw the water? Since it was two days, if it was just water from the pressure washing it probably would have fell or been blown off, especially if you drove it.
I used a white paper towel to absorb some of the water to see if any green was there, but couldn't tell or smell, I'll wait a few more days if the moisture stills, then for sure I have a leak, and maybe what fflinstone said is right.
Thanks RP............
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Originally Posted by cadriver
No leak anymore! Check everyday and no more water 
I guess was only water that splashed on the block
Air conditioner maybe?
I guess was only water that splashed on the block
Air conditioner maybe?
I found the leaking problem, is what fflintstone posted!
Removed two large passenger side bolts holding the cover and I put some of that nonhardener paste PERMATEX 2B, on the bolt threads and installed them back on the cover, let's see what happen, I wasn't sure which sealer to use but I found that coolant was coming out fast when I removed the bolt, so I thought silicone won't do it if the coolant was present, didn't want to drain the coolant, this stuff PERMATEX 2B worked very well on previous water thermostat gaskets, I hope I'm right this time.
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I can confirm that the coolant leak it's from the front cover behind the water pump, it's a very tiny leak a drop or two everyday, the coolant reservoir level has not move at all?
My biggest worry is it migtht get worse, and replacing the front cover gasket must be a pain in ****, a lot of parts have to come out not to mention I have to drain the A/C!!!
I don't know much about the 2000, 3.0L Ranger, but I know for sure they're not durable, they have too many problems so early that's not good!
including a leaking rack & pinion and 2 emission sensors already replaced with only 75k!
My other 94 Ranger has 160k on a 2.3L engine, no leaks whatsoever, I never did any major repair, only a new clutch after 125k.
I thought that newer Rangers were equal or better built? But I guess they
were buit cheap on plastic parts, and they have a lot of problems like the early Rangers.
My biggest worry is it migtht get worse, and replacing the front cover gasket must be a pain in ****, a lot of parts have to come out not to mention I have to drain the A/C!!!
I don't know much about the 2000, 3.0L Ranger, but I know for sure they're not durable, they have too many problems so early that's not good!
including a leaking rack & pinion and 2 emission sensors already replaced with only 75k!
My other 94 Ranger has 160k on a 2.3L engine, no leaks whatsoever, I never did any major repair, only a new clutch after 125k.
I thought that newer Rangers were equal or better built? But I guess they
were buit cheap on plastic parts, and they have a lot of problems like the early Rangers.
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Originally Posted by Ken00
You shouldn't have to open the AC system to do the repair.
TTDCSB40
TTDCSB40
I think I know what you mean?
By removing the compressor and bracket without disconnecting the A/C line
I can move the A/C line out of the way?
My big worry is that A/C line is under a lot of pressure, how much movement
it can handle I guess the pressure rubber hose which attaches to the metal tube is the only flexible part?
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Another Q:
If coolant is dripping out from the front cover plate is there any chance that it's dripping to the inside of the cover where the chain/oil is?
Because if it's only dripping out is not a big deal the leak is very tiny just a few drops daily, like I said in my previous post, the reservoir level stays at the same mark, I already tried some of that thread sealer on a couple of bolts where the water is leaking out, re torque the cover but nothing is working?
I think the gasket is what's leaking in a corner of the cover, and I want to stay away from those radiators sealers they do more harm than good in my opinion!
It's just a shame these 3.0L rangers having these problems so soon, my truck is a 2000, and only 75k miles! I like the Rangers but now I'll think twice before buying another Ranger or a Ford truck!
If coolant is dripping out from the front cover plate is there any chance that it's dripping to the inside of the cover where the chain/oil is?
Because if it's only dripping out is not a big deal the leak is very tiny just a few drops daily, like I said in my previous post, the reservoir level stays at the same mark, I already tried some of that thread sealer on a couple of bolts where the water is leaking out, re torque the cover but nothing is working?
I think the gasket is what's leaking in a corner of the cover, and I want to stay away from those radiators sealers they do more harm than good in my opinion!
It's just a shame these 3.0L rangers having these problems so soon, my truck is a 2000, and only 75k miles!
I like the Rangers but now I'll think twice before buying another Ranger or a Ford truck!
Last edited by cadriver; Apr 9, 2007 at 05:33 PM.
Post Fiend
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From: South Jersey
For you first post from the Ford manual, and you should be able to just drop the front of the oil pan, not remove it.
TTDCSB40
«2000 Ranger Table of Contents»
«Group 3: Powertrain»
«Section 303-01B: ENGINE — 3.0L (2V)»
«IN-VEHICLE REPAIR»
Engine Front Cover
Removal
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to section 414-01.
2. Drain the engine coolant. For additional information, refer to «Section 303-03».
3. Remove the accessory drive belt. For additional information, refer to «Section 303-05».
4. Remove the water pump pulley.
5. Disconnect the lower radiator hose (8286) at the water pump outlet.
6. Remove the crankshaft vibration damper. For additional information, refer to «Crankshaft Pulley» in this section.
7. Remove the oil pan (6675). For additional information, refer to «Oil Pan—4x2» or «Oil Pan—4x4» in this section.
µ 8. Remove the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor (6C315).
µ 9. Remove the engine front cover.
l Remove the bolts.
µ 10. Remove and discard the front cover gasket.
TTDCSB40
«2000 Ranger Table of Contents»
«Group 3: Powertrain»
«Section 303-01B: ENGINE — 3.0L (2V)»
«IN-VEHICLE REPAIR»
Engine Front Cover
Removal
1. Disconnect the battery ground cable. For additional information, refer to section 414-01.
2. Drain the engine coolant. For additional information, refer to «Section 303-03».
3. Remove the accessory drive belt. For additional information, refer to «Section 303-05».
4. Remove the water pump pulley.
5. Disconnect the lower radiator hose (8286) at the water pump outlet.
6. Remove the crankshaft vibration damper. For additional information, refer to «Crankshaft Pulley» in this section.
7. Remove the oil pan (6675). For additional information, refer to «Oil Pan—4x2» or «Oil Pan—4x4» in this section.
µ 8. Remove the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor (6C315).
µ 9. Remove the engine front cover.
l Remove the bolts.
µ 10. Remove and discard the front cover gasket.
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Originally Posted by Ken00
And the 2nd, mine was an external leak only...but you never know.
TTDCSB40
TTDCSB40
Do I have to remove the oil pan too?
I didn't see any coolant in the oil change or oil rod, BTW, how did you fix yours? This is a lot of work to be only replacing a front cover gasket!