Coolant leak 98 xlt 4.0 sohc

[cliff sanders]

Usually losing 1/2 gal every few days depending on ambient temp. Sometimes the radiator will be very low but will not draw fluid from the overflow bottle, then sometimes the bottle will be dry. Can see fluid on the top side of the lower hose that may have leaked down from the water pump. The hose does not seem to be leaking. Have driven the car to get the temp up, then let it idle for an hour with the A/C on and can't see a leak! Have driven 300 miles down the interstate at 75 mph and can't see evidence of a leak! There is no smoke of any kind coming from the exhaust and the oil looks good. The fluid always looks good since I have run so much through it, no bubbles. Can see that coolant is splattered under the hood, but can't see this happening. I am considering replacing the water pump, thermostat and hoses, unless someone with similar experience can tell me what may be wrong. The last time I replaced a water pump was in 1980 on a 75 Granada. Is there a step by step procedure available on replacing the pump.

 

[robertoa1a]

At 1/2 gallon per day its hard to believe you cant see the leak. I hope for your sake its not a head gasket. Is there any milky stuff in the oil or steam and coolant coming from the exhaust. A few drops of clean water coming from the exhaust is a normal part of combustion. Check freeze plugs for leakage.

The biggest complaint I hear about changing the water pump is when rusty bolts break off.

 

[jremington59]

I wouldn't go replacing the water pump for nothing. Can you hear any noise at the water pump? If you don't hear noise nor see any fluid from the pump I'd find out what the real problem is....

 

[robertoa1a]

I'll second the above. Maybe Harbor Freight has a presure test tool where you could find a leak with the engine off and cool.

 

[biggiesize]

My brothers 99 Ranger (3.0) was doing the same thing.We racked our brain trying to figure out where the coolant was going.It wasnt sputtering or running rough,so I would have never imagined it would be the head Gasket,But,after replacing the water pump,hoses,and yes,even the radiator,I pulled the head off and sure nuff,it has a small spot that was letting coolant pour over into the piston chamber and be burned right out the exhaust.

 

[cliff sanders]

Coolant Leak 98xlt 4.0 sohc

Thanks to all for the suggestions. The oil looks good. There is no smoke or steam or coolant coming from the exhaust. Coolant can be see on top of the bottom hose as if it has leaked down from somewhere, the hose seems to be good. Once, three weeks ago, steam could be seen coming from under the hood. My wife had followed me to a restarant, I was already inside we she drove up. There was quite a bit of steam. My son and I went outside to see the problem, but could not find anything, or get it to happen again since then. That is when we let the car idle for an hour with the air conditioner on, and no leak. I added coolant before letting the car idle. My wife said the temp guage was not steady, the needle was moving back and forth quickly. I believe that if coolant and water was leaking into the combustion chamber, we would notice it from the exhaust. Is it possible that the engine would have to be to the point of being too hot before steam is produced and the point of the leak could be seen? Would it be too likely to damage the engine to let it get hot briefly to possibly see the steam and where it is coming from?

 

[robertoa1a]

Bad radiator cap? That would be a cheep and easy fix. Is there residue on the hood?

 

[cliff sanders]

You are right, it was a duplicate post. I did not think I had done it correctly, then thought I had lost it, so I re-wrote it. I have replaced the radiator cap. I can see that coolant is splattered around under the hood. Twice, I have seen steam under the hood, by the time I have looked it has stopped and I can't make it steam when I want it to. I suppose I could have a leaking head gasket, but I am also losing coolant under the hood somewhere. I have seen it steam and can see it splattered under the hood, I just can't find it.

 

[jremington59]

Let me ask you a question.

What kind of clamps do you have on your hoses? Do you have pinch clamps or the screw clamps? I once removed one of the clamps that you pinch together with a pair of pliers and when I put it back on and the system pressurized it would allow fluid out. Especially check where the heater hose connects to the housing... It's obvious it's only happening under high pressure.

I would wrap a paper towel around where the hoses connect to the fittings and see if they leak. Don't leave it unattended in case something ignited them

 

[Xplorer82]

same issue basically. i have been losing antifreeze as well, but i never had proof of a leak till i Finally noticed a few drops in the garage after months of no proof but disappearing antifreeze . looks like im changing my water pump. if you havent, get up under there with a flashlight and take a good look.

click pics to enlarge if you want to.

 

[robertoa1a]

Is overheating pushing the fluid out or is leakage causing over heating? Chicken or egg? Is it a third problem causing the engine to get hot like pre ignition.