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  #16  
Old 11-06-2011, 08:03 PM
Mossberg Mossberg is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

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Originally Posted by FireRanger View Post
Depending on the design, that is not necessarily true and would be a sign of a problem.
Your right, the rangers have an overflow tank rather than the expansion tank...
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  #17  
Old 11-06-2011, 08:05 PM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Well some 4cyl's have an expansion tank integrated to the the radiator and the pressure cap is on the tank. So you would see the level in the tank going up and down with temperature a bit. However even that should never be empty.
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  #18  
Old 11-06-2011, 08:24 PM
94mtx 94mtx is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Auto or 5-speed?
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  #19  
Old 11-07-2011, 02:46 AM
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

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Auto or 5-speed?
It is a auto
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  #20  
Old 11-07-2011, 02:55 AM
Rubber Duck Rubber Duck is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

my '97 has the same exact problem. coolent is disapearing from the overflow tank and I cant find it where is goes??? Runs at operating temp and does overheat. I have to fill up the tank every couple weeks. my engine is an OHV though, same problem
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  #21  
Old 11-07-2011, 03:17 AM
STL STL is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Looked at the tank this morning before leaving for work. It was still empty.
I guess ill have to buy two bottles of 50/50
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  #22  
Old 11-07-2011, 05:08 AM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Ignore the tank. The tank is irrelevant and meaningless to anything, merely a delayed side-effect. You need to look in the radiator on a cold engine and see what that level is.
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  #23  
Old 11-07-2011, 02:20 PM
94mtx 94mtx is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Do yourself a favor and do a transmission service, and look at the old fluid. Willing to bet you probably have a leaking trans cooler in the radiator...
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  #24  
Old 11-07-2011, 02:29 PM
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

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Originally Posted by 94mtx View Post
Do yourself a favor and do a transmission service, and look at the old fluid. Willing to bet you probably have a leaking trans cooler in the radiator...
Changed the fluid in transmission before heading to North Carolina. There was none.
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  #25  
Old 11-07-2011, 02:57 PM
01_ranger_4x4 01_ranger_4x4 is offline
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Get out your blue light and look around the thermostat housing area and under the overflow tank where the line connects to the tank, those add the two spots my cooling system has leaked and from what I've read they are two common spots on these SOHC's. Also don't rely too heavy on that dye either, to cover you bases rent a cooling system pressure tester a d check for leaks that way too.


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  #26  
Old 11-07-2011, 07:11 PM
Ocarla99 Ocarla99 is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

i had the same problem on my 99, it ended up being lower intake gaskets... while is was
"disapearing" i would have to add a little here and there. no signs of leaking water pump, heater core, or anything else. when i tore the intake out i could see where it was leaking past the gasket slowly and being burned up.
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  #27  
Old 11-07-2011, 07:44 PM
FireRanger FireRanger is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Coolant is usually low for one of three reasons:

1) Never properly refilled to begin with after a flush. Very common.

2) Leaking out. Would smell and would eventually leave a puddle.

3) Leaking in.

3a) Leaking in through the intake manifold. If slow enough, you may never notice the burning coolant and would not show any other signs.

3b) Leaking in through the heads into into the crankcase. You would find coolant in the oil and/or find air bubbles or boiling over for no reason.
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  #28  
Old 11-07-2011, 09:23 PM
TrainedTiger TrainedTiger is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Could also be a crack in the radiator too small to leak liquid, but allows steam to pass. Does your coolant look rich with anti-freeze?
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  #29  
Old 11-08-2011, 03:01 AM
01_ranger_4x4 01_ranger_4x4 is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ocarla99 View Post
i had the same problem on my 99, it ended up being lower intake gaskets... while is was
"disapearing" i would have to add a little here and there. no signs of leaking water pump, heater core, or anything else. when i tore the intake out i could see where it was leaking past the gasket slowly and being burned up.
The SOHC doesnt have a lower intake like the OHV's do. The intake doesnt have coolant flowing through it.
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2001 Ranger 4x4 Stepside
-RCD Suspension lift
-33x12.5 BFG KM2's on Mickey Thomson classic locks
-4:56 gears
-Auburn gear LS
-James Duff traction bars
-Headers
-Flowmaster duals
-SCT X-Cal2 and some small exterior mods

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2321189

2005 F-150 Lariat 4x4
-LED third brake light
-Weathertech floor liners
-Edge tuner
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  #30  
Old 11-08-2011, 03:10 AM
edgeman4.0 edgeman4.0 is offline
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Default Re: Coolant overflow tank keeps going empty

Have you stopped to think that maybe.... just maybe your reservoir is cracked and its leaking that way?
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