coolant leak driving me nuts

[Brandyn85]

ok guys i've tried searching around and havent seen anything like mine. well i take that back i found one search that was similar but i want to check with you guys and see what you think. well it all started on my 98 ex 4.0 sohc a few days ago, i drove my work truck home 2 days in a row so the explorer didnt move, the temp was under freezing for 3 days in a row, anyway day number 2 i notice a puddle of water under my truck, so i get mad and start it and drive it and sure enough it has a steady drip, so it looks to me like its coming from the water pump. go get a new water pump, gasket and the little hose on the top just to be safe, replace it all. start it and a slower drip now... i drove it around the block hoping there was just some coolant sitting on the motor got back home... no leak! so i kept checking it and nothing for about 2 hours... then there is coolant again. 2 hours after i shut it off. drove it last night again about 30 miles, temp never got hot. got home checked it for about 2 hours before i went to bed. got up this morning and there it is... 2 little puddles under there. the water looked like it was coming from the water pump,

from what i found on my search about the lower manifold gasket, makes me think it could be that, the way it was decribed. it soulds just like mine. but its not mentioned when its leaking. is the 4.0 from a 92 and a 98 the same? could that be my problem

the confusing part is why would it only drip after the vehicle has been shut off for so long???

anyone have ideas?

 

[TooManyTrucks]

It may be un-related..but..I did a coolant change via the plastic petcock in radiator and then had a drip...the o ring was flat and worn out..cheap fix is a new petcock plastic from Dorman products..3-4 bucks..

 

[janolsson]

Just a thought but might be either the short hose to the thermostat housing or the housing seal or a cracked housing. This sits at the front of the engine just below the plenum. As it is plastic the cold may have got to it. worth a look.

 

[alohamonte]

shot in the dark ---- heater control valve. people often find out they leak in the winter then they turn on their heat.

 

[explorerguy89]

for one no the egnies are completely different yours is sohc that one would be an ohv. but could still be the same problem reguardless so if none of the cheap easy fixes work its prolley that.