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  #1  
Old 10-10-2010, 09:47 PM
4evermodding 4evermodding is offline
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Default "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

As you guys may or may not know, I have 2 rangers, 1 is getting the 5.0 swap and the other is staying a 3.0, well this morning when I awaken, I notice after pulling out of the garage, their was a hand size coolant puddle on the garage floor, I looked at the water pump and thermostat housing area, and saw nothing, I than shine my light down below under the alternator where the bottom of the sort of was, and noticed green coolant that had leaked down, I'm not sure where this may be coming from, but any ideas guys? do you think its time for a waterpump change,

p.s I did start the ranger for about 5 mins, and no leaks.
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  #2  
Old 10-11-2010, 06:01 AM
Boatguy1965 Boatguy1965 is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

Had the same thing happen on my 02 XLT 3.0. Facing the engine, my leak was noticed on the block where the timing chain cover meets the block. Gasket between the block and timing chain cover was replaced and stopped the leak. BUT.... it was an all day affair... remove the radiator, fan, belt, fan pulley, loosen the a/c, loosen the p/s, remove the idler pulley bracket, remove the crank pulley, remove the vibration dampener, remove the water pump, remove the timing chain cover... learned alot from this one. The only special tool I needed was the vibration dampener puller.
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  #3  
Old 10-11-2010, 07:59 AM
Clinton Clinton is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

I have an 01 with a 4.0 and I noticed a coolant leak a while back too. I traced it up the passenger side fender to the coolant reservoir. Turns out the rubber hose underneath the reservoir stretched when it got hot and allowed it to leak after I drove it and it would only leak when it was parked. I used a plastic zip tie to tighten the hose and it hasn't leaked since
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  #4  
Old 10-11-2010, 02:23 PM
4evermodding 4evermodding is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

Yea mine is coming from the timing chain cover, this is a common problem with the 3.0, I have researched a lot of info, however it would obviously be wise to change the water pump/thermostat/hoses/ even replace the timing chain for safe insurance purposes. at 170,000 miles, its time for the timing chain to be replaced anyways, should feel a huge different when I have a tight chain, so Im changing it all out.
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Old 10-14-2010, 07:36 PM
4evermodding 4evermodding is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

oh well just talked to John, got a few ideas as to how I will be attacking this issue, not sure yet, but will keep ya posted and do a complete write up with pictures.
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  #6  
Old 10-19-2010, 07:36 PM
Texas001 Texas001 is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

I have a coolant puddle under mine as well. Only about two or three drops. I cannot find where it is coming from. Guess I have the same timing chain cover problem. I will get up under there and try to find out for sure. But with only two or three drops I might be a long time before I tear into the job. Looks like a job for Gear Guy, my mechanic.
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  #7  
Old 10-19-2010, 07:58 PM
Ranger_EDGE Ranger_EDGE is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boatguy1965 View Post
Had the same thing happen on my 02 XLT 3.0. Facing the engine, my leak was noticed on the block where the timing chain cover meets the block. Gasket between the block and timing chain cover was replaced and stopped the leak. BUT.... it was an all day affair... remove the radiator, fan, belt, fan pulley, loosen the a/c, loosen the p/s, remove the idler pulley bracket, remove the crank pulley, remove the vibration dampener, remove the water pump, remove the timing chain cover... learned alot from this one. The only special tool I needed was the vibration dampener puller.

I had the exact same problem!! Had the leak when I first got the truck and barley leaked at all only whe. It sat for a day or longer. But after a tear it got worse and worse and I had to replace it with new pump new gasket new timing chain tensioner. And I can't remember if there was any more.
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  #8  
Old 10-20-2010, 06:25 AM
sgtsandman sgtsandman is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

Depending on the year of your truck, the water pump gasket might be pooped out. The o-ring on mine was not longer round when my pump leaked. It was the shape of the o-ring groove.
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  #9  
Old 10-20-2010, 04:50 PM
Texas001 Texas001 is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boatguy1965 View Post
Had the same thing happen on my 02 XLT 3.0. Facing the engine, my leak was noticed on the block where the timing chain cover meets the block. Gasket between the block and timing chain cover was replaced and stopped the leak. BUT.... it was an all day affair... remove the radiator, fan, belt, fan pulley, loosen the a/c, loosen the p/s, remove the idler pulley bracket, remove the crank pulley, remove the vibration dampener, remove the water pump, remove the timing chain cover... learned alot from this one. The only special tool I needed was the vibration dampener puller.
Does anyone have a series of photos showing a how to on pulling parts and repairing a leak in the timing chain cover. Seems that is my problem as I cannot see a leak any where but I am getting a drop or two on the garage floor. How is the timing chain cover related to the cooling system. Does water get onto the timing chain area? What problems will this leak cause if not attended to? Thanks
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  #10  
Old 10-20-2010, 04:56 PM
Solo V8 4G Solo V8 4G is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

Its really not that hard, these instructions are straight out of my Ford SLTG, (Service Labor Time Guide)

Disconnect the battery ground cable.
Drain the engine coolant.
Remove the accessory drive belt.
Remove the fan and shroud assembly.
Remove the water pump pulley.
Disconnect the lower radiator hose at the water pump outlet.
Remove the crankshaft vibration damper.
Remove the oil pan.
Remove the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor.
Remove the engine front cover.
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  #11  
Old 10-20-2010, 04:57 PM
Solo V8 4G Solo V8 4G is offline
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Wink Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

Quote:
Originally Posted by Solo V8 4G View Post
Its really not that hard, these instructions are straight out of my Ford SLTG, (Service Labor Time Guide)

Disconnect the battery ground cable.
Drain the engine coolant.
Remove the accessory drive belt.
Remove the fan and shroud assembly.
Remove the water pump pulley.
Disconnect the lower radiator hose at the water pump outlet.
Remove the crankshaft vibration damper.
Remove the oil pan.
Remove the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor.
Remove the engine front cover.

oh yeah, install in reverse order with all new gaskets
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98 Ranger, Bagged 2600's in the front, 2500's in the rear. 3 Gal tank. DJM Upper and Lower control arms. 2 Thomas Compressors (garbage). 4 linked rear with C-notch. All (except cab) fiberglass. Custom Tribal Paint (soon to be Sunburst/burnt Orange).
Coming soon - 405HP 4.6L (SOHC), 4R70W
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  #12  
Old 10-20-2010, 11:33 PM
4evermodding 4evermodding is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

wtf remove the oil pan, so if thats the case, you may want to update and say drain your oil pan eh,
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  #13  
Old 10-21-2010, 09:44 AM
Solo V8 4G Solo V8 4G is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

you dont have to remove the oil pan, there is 2 bolts that run up through the pan to the timing cover. its says to remove becuase you will disturb the gasket which then should be replaced, but I have done before and just used TA-29 (Ford Sealant) and it sealed just fine.
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98 Ranger, Bagged 2600's in the front, 2500's in the rear. 3 Gal tank. DJM Upper and Lower control arms. 2 Thomas Compressors (garbage). 4 linked rear with C-notch. All (except cab) fiberglass. Custom Tribal Paint (soon to be Sunburst/burnt Orange).
Coming soon - 405HP 4.6L (SOHC), 4R70W
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  #14  
Old 10-21-2010, 03:06 PM
Texas001 Texas001 is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boatguy1965 View Post
Had the same thing happen on my 02 XLT 3.0. Facing the engine, my leak was noticed on the block where the timing chain cover meets the block. Gasket between the block and timing chain cover was replaced and stopped the leak. BUT.... it was an all day affair... remove the radiator, fan, belt, fan pulley, loosen the a/c, loosen the p/s, remove the idler pulley bracket, remove the crank pulley, remove the vibration dampener, remove the water pump, remove the timing chain cover... learned alot from this one. The only special tool I needed was the vibration dampener puller.
Well, I feel like an idiot. I was getting two or three drops of water each time I came back into the garage. I crawled under the truck and looked and looked. Finally saw a drip. It was coming off a cold line return to the A/C compressor right above the harmonic balancer. Not a problem at all, just condensation. To be sure I drove around without the A/C on and came in and looked. No drips. Phew! that saved me some headaches. Just call me lucky.

Last edited by Texas001; 10-26-2010 at 10:17 AM.
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  #15  
Old 10-21-2010, 03:14 PM
Solo V8 4G Solo V8 4G is offline
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Default Re: "Dreaded Coolant Puddle"

you should, I guess something that you can do is purchase a universal coolant system check tool, and check the psi with the engine hot and cold. check your hoses though, the clamps that Ford uses from the factory are made of a some cheap pot metal and can loose tension over the years and allow from some drops from time to time.
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98 Ranger, Bagged 2600's in the front, 2500's in the rear. 3 Gal tank. DJM Upper and Lower control arms. 2 Thomas Compressors (garbage). 4 linked rear with C-notch. All (except cab) fiberglass. Custom Tribal Paint (soon to be Sunburst/burnt Orange).
Coming soon - 405HP 4.6L (SOHC), 4R70W
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