Hello,

My Ranger just relieved itself in my driveway... I thought it was a hose or the radiator but it is coming from the engine.

I have attached pics (I think). Any diagnosis or repair tips would be of great help. I'm not a gearhead but am reasonably good with mechanical stuff.

I would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks,

John

 

The ideal thing to do would be to use a cooling system pressure tester and trace back to the source of the leak. Cannot tell from the pix. Since the coolant is affected by gravity you need to trace back up to the source. It could be something as simple as a rusted pipe, or a tired piece of hose. If it is rinsed off with some water you may be able to spot the green stuff leaking out.

 

Hanky,

Thanks. I can't see anything from the top of the engine... I checked all of the hoses and they are dry. I could see it pouring out of the seem in pic 3. These pics are from underneath the engine. I have been told possibly water pump or head gasket. I don't have a pressure tester so I guess I just have to start tearing it apart.

I appreciate your taking the time to offer advice.

Regards,

John

 

If anybody else reads this post I would appreciate any ideas... I have been told everything from water pump to intake manifold gasket to water pump gasket to header gasket.

 

John,
If the leak is slow, which it appears to be, Sometimes these type leaks will get less or stop when warm. You might have plenty of time to drive the vehicle to some shop that has a pressure tester or maybe some auto store will rent you one. Then you should know for sure just what the source is and get the necessary parts while there.
You could save yourself a lot of time and trouble once you know the exact place it is leaking.
Of course you would fill the cooling system before leaving.

 

Hanky,

O.K. I'll do that. Thank you again. Will let you know what I find out.

John

 

Hanky,

As it turns out it was the water pump... replaced it this weekend and all is well... thanks!

John