Coolant Question?

[wisneski7]

I have a '01 Sport that I picked up and has had it's share of issues. Anyhow, I left it at a friends house overnight, it got down to about 0 degrees F last night. It was only about 5 degrees this morning when I went to pick it up. It started a bit hard but once started, I left it idle outside for about 10min. before driving home. When I went out to get in, there was a puddle about 10in. by 10in. of antifreeze under the front left corner. I could visually see a couple drops come down off of the plastic from under neath while looking at it. By no means was it pooring out. I drove home the 7miles with no issues, and parked it in the garage. I just started it and let it idle for about 10min. again and there doesn't seem to be a leak anymore. Is there an overflow or pressure relief somewhere? Im guessing maybe the coolant needs changing, and it started to freeze, causing an increase pressure? Or I guess I have a leak that fixed itself somehow. Any ideas? Thanks

Aaron

 

[jls1znv9999]

Well due to the fact that you said it wasn't pouring out eliminates the freeze plugs. (i would suggest you also make sure they are clean and no visable rust.)
You really should flush the old coolant and replace with a good combination of collant to water ratio (ideally 70% coolatn 30% water) this will give you better protection wether hot or freezin.
Sounds like you hit the nail on the head, the water is freezing (water expands when it freezes) When you start it sounds like it's collant comes back through the radiator and it going on top of the icy area and back filling into your overfill and then through the relief hose and spilling out. I woud suggest you have a look before you go anywhere. Also you could also use a kit that keeps your radiator warmed up to keep it from freezing (also decreases time for heater to warm up).

 

[wisneski7]

I've started it twice now and let it run in the garage and nothing is coming out. Im assuming it was freezing. I'll leave it parked in the garage for now till I have time to flush/refill. Garage temp stays around 40+ even when this cold. Thanks

Aaron

 

[Cobraguy]

Please keep in mind that the best engine coolant there is, is water. Nothing does a better job. Therefore, the less antifreeze you have to use to get the necessary freezing and boiling protection, the better. Don't "over protect" by adding a higher concentration of antifreeze if it isn't necessary. Rarely do you need anything over 50/50 mix. I am originally from a climate that would hit 30 below every year. I never had a problem with a 50/50 mix.

 

[RockyMtnHigh]

Do not exceed a 60/40 mix. 50/50 is good in most climates. I flush and put in new every year at the begining of winter. Use good antifreeze and distilled water. Antifreeze does little to keep your engine cool and water does nothing to stop it from freezing, but the two together work great all year.

 

[jls1znv9999]

Regardless to what you are told from any of us (as clearly opinions vary). Based on your local climate and the purchase of a good to high quality antifreeze/ coolant following the directions that give you optimal protection based on local climate.

I myself live in the northern part and i have seen several people with EXp's that used 50/50 and the freeze plugs popped! I need not mention how much of a pain they can be to replace. If in doubt contact your local ford dealer and ask them for the specific mix specs for your engine.

Don't buy the premix crap, you are purchasing half the antifreeze for the full jug price.

 

[FordTech2010]

how to check for freeze plugs or head gastet on 4.0l OHV

 

[jls1znv9999]

how to check for freeze plugs or head gastet on 4.0l OHV

drivers side rear of the engine
There is also another freeze plug located on the front area (head i think).
To check freeze plugs make sure there is no sight of coolant/antifreeze, (it will match what you have in the radiator). You should also look for any rust, or other fluids coming from them. If you suspect coolant leak from head visually inspect heads when engine is warm. Typically you will be able to tell if you have a substantial leak because you will notice coolant level keeps dropping after topping it off.

I have heard that 4.0's are known to leak around the head bolts. If that is the case i know that using thread lock (not too much though) should create a good seal and keep coolant from escaping.
CAUTION::::Be sure to not over tighten the head bolt, refer to manual for proper torque specs!

 

[Cobraguy]

I myself live in the northern part and i have seen several people with EXp's that used 50/50 and the freeze plugs popped! I need not mention how much of a pain they can be to replace. If in doubt contact your local ford dealer and ask them for the specific mix specs for your engine.

Don't buy the premix crap, you are purchasing half the antifreeze for the full jug price.

Well, a 50/50 mix of green Prestone is good for 35 below. And it won't freeze solid then either. So if you're colder than that, then go to 60/40. I don't know of any antifreeze company who recommends anything more than that as you can lose effectiveness. You would have to be in a very, very cold climate to freeze solid a 50/50 mix. There aren't many in the lower 48. But if you are in one, then you need to protect against it for sure.

The premix is a very easy way to go and get a refill to the correct ratio. It's more expensive, but it doesn't use tap water. They use deionized water. So there is nothing wrong with buying and using it.

 

[gijoecam]

You really should flush the old coolant and replace with a good combination of collant to water ratio (ideally 70% coolatn 30% water) this will give you better protection wether hot or freezin.

Not true. A 70/30 mix will provide LESS cooling ability in the hot summer months. Antifreeze provides freeze protection, corrosion inhibitors, and water pump lubrication. The water provides the heat dissipation. I've personally seen vehicles running straight antifreeze overheating with no thermostat in the dead of winter due to running straight coolant. (I won't get into specific heat numbers for coolant versus water) More is not necessarily better.

Sounds like you hit the nail on the head, the water is freezing (water expands when it freezes) When you start it sounds like it's collant comes back through the radiator and it going on top of the icy area and back filling into your overfill and then through the relief hose and spilling out. I woud suggest you have a look before you go anywhere. Also you could also use a kit that keeps your radiator warmed up to keep it from freezing (also decreases time for heater to warm up).

Accent added by gijoecam

When I went out to get in, there was a puddle about 10in. by 10in. of antifreeze under the front left corner. I could visually see a couple drops come down off of the plastic from under neath while looking at it. By no means was it pooring out.

If it was leaking out the overflow, it would be coming out the RIGHT front corner where the overflow tanks is. If it's leaking from the left front, my money would be on either a leaking cap, or a bad radiator (possibly even a leaking hose). Crawl under it and look for the green trail... it'll be pretty obvious where it's coming from.

 

[wisneski7]

Just to update on this thread. After getting home I parked in my garage, which is finished and stays about 40-50 degrees. I used hot water and sprayed everything down, then whiped it all clean. Two different times I started the explorer and let it idle for about 5-10 min. Both times there were no leaks, not even a drop to be found. The other day I drove it a short drive to a friends and parked it as we were going on a 2 day ice fishing trip. Over that time it never leaked a drop. Drove it home last nigth and still nothing.

Aaron