Antifreeze Leak?

[Grateful11]

I did a search on this first and didn't really see anything that looked like my problem.
I noticed a large wet area under my Explorer when I came out from work. I checked the coolant and it was a tad low but not critical. I drove home and got under and it was dripping from the bracket of the tensioner and idler, up next to the engine, the curved area were the bottom most bolt goes through into the engine. It's making a pretty good size puddle underneath. It's looks dangerously close to what looks like a freeze plug. I hope it's not that but that's my best guess now. The water pump and thermostat looks dry. Any suggestions would be welcome. I just went out and checked it and it's got a puddle about 6"x8" on the floor and it's been sitting for about 40 minutes. Help.

 

[leebo]

It might just be the hoses. They tend to shrink and expand as the hose gets hot and cold. Several people have had this problem. When you turn the truck on the hose is cold and has expanded a bit and doesn't fit tight around the upper part of the raditor. When it runs for a while the hose shrinks to the fitting so nothing leaks out. When did you see it at work??? When you first got out of your truck or at the end of the day after it's been sitting???

 

[Grateful11]

After it was sitting all day but I didn't look when I went in this morning.
When I got home after going to get some antifreeze I ran my hand under the top hose and it appeared dry. I may go ahead and change it. It only has 139k miles on it. I got my money's worth.

Grateful

[Edited by Grateful11 on 11-20-2000 at 04:56 PM]

 

[Grateful11]

Re: Antifreeze leak, now intake manifold leak

Well it's the intake manifold leaking. I'm not sure if I want to tackle this one especially as cold as it is now. One mechanic said to try stop leak first. He also gave me an estimate of $350-425. The Ford place said about $525. They claim I've got a pin holr in the radiator too. This not a happy day. How long would it take to change the gaskets with the right tools?
Craig

 

[leebo]

ouch. Sorry man. You're in for the ride now. With the right tools it's hard to say how long it could take. It depends on the problems you may run into. Search the site. There have been several post on the rebuilding of the engine which will have your answer in it. Sorry.

 

[Ira]

Grateful11,
This should answer your question, as well as give you some suggestions.

Dead Link Removed

 

[Grateful11]

I went to an independent mechanic that 3 people I know recommended. He said he could do it in about a week for $250 or less. He said it would be the 4th one he's done in about 6 months. I'm pretty sure I could do it but without a heated place to do it would be rough. That's about half what the Ford dealer wants so I think I'm going to go for it. Thanks for all the help. I'll let you know how it goes.
Grateful