cooling system issues

[92exp4x4x5]

dropping in to say hello as a new member! I have a question that maybe someone could assist with. I have had some cooling system issues. Thought it was rectifyed with new radiator...not! My explorer is a 92 4X4 manual tranny...she has 178,000 miles on her. Since she was "fixed" I still smell antifreeze and my temp guage fluctuates. (new thermostat). Anyway I climbed underneath the other day and found a small drip coming from what I believe is the heater hose to the water pump. The hose connection there is also swollen. So, I took it to the mechanic who claimes that the leak is coming from the timing cover. Is this possible? I am female and know a little about cars but not enough to answer this question. There is no water in my oil (no milk shake). This all started when I had the system flushed and nothing but BLACK SLIME came out. Then I lost heat altogether. The heater core does not appear to be leaking. No wet carpet, etc. Is there anyone out there that can toubleshoot from my description before I spen A LOT of money to fix my baby? Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[Nedwreck]

a swollen hose isn't a good sign... for the price of hose it may be worth just replacing them all as a maintenance item, especially if they're really old.. more so if it's a daily driver.

flushed and then the heat quit? wow. might have had more slime than the heater core could handle.. possibly stopping it up. If so, back flushing may fix that. swap the two heater core hoses so it runs in backwards flow on the next flush... if it comes to that. I have disconnected the hoses from the cores and gave 'em full pressure from a garden hose, switching back and forth from one connection to the other until they cleared. it's messy.

With the truck cold, I'd maybe squeeze that swollen hose to see if it lets any coolant out. Tug on them, etc... if they come off or break it's a weak link. might wanna put a good size pan under there first, just in case.

I generally haven't seen too terribly many gaskets pop from water pumps / timing covers on Fords.. but it could happen I suppose.

Just a word on coolant.. keep it contained if ya can and dispose of it properly. Not saying you dont know this, but far too many people overlook it.

Welcome to the Board!
and Good Luck!

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

Is it possible some of that "black slime" got clogged up in the hose? then the pressure of the coolant pressing against it is making it swell?

If it's easily accessible, and looks easy enough, I wonder if you could disconnect the hose from the water pump, start up the truck for a few seconds (friend's job), and see if maybe anymore slime comes out of that specific hose, or just disconnect the hose and try and work out the clog (if there is one).

Just some thoughts.

 

[Nedwreck]

92exp4x4x5,
Something not mentioned so far about the fluctuating temperatures.. (if you didn't know) is the need to "burp" and Explorer. Air can get trapped in the top of the engine block, that can't get out when filling the coolant on a cold engine. The thermostat prevents the air from escaping, preventing a totally complete coolant fill. In extreme cases (I'm thinking of a Dodge we had) that messes with the heat too.

Is the overflow reserve tank constantly empty?

There's several methods to "burp" these. One is to start up with the radiator cap removed until the thermostat opens, and fill as needed.

On a truck that's in use, you often can just keep the reserve tank topped off (a little over the "full cold" line) and let it take care of itself after several heatup/cooling cycles. It will expel air and water when it heats up, and draw only water back in when it cools.

Is it possible some of that "black slime" got clogged up in the hose? then the pressure of the coolant pressing against it is making it swell?

If it's easily accessible, and looks easy enough, I wonder if you could disconnect the hose from the water pump, start up the truck for a few seconds (friend's job), and see if maybe anymore slime comes out of that specific hose, or just disconnect the hose and try and work out the clog (if there is one).

Just some thoughts.

Duno if I've ever seen a hose itself clogged. would it be slime or a blob? heh

far as disconnecting a hose and starting an engine.. might work, could be pretty messy I think. if it was a real gusher that'd be nasty.

one could disconnect both hoses that go to the heater core, and flush the core with the hoses (garden hose method).. matter of fact that'd prolly help contain the fluids, since one hose can always be directed towards a catch-pan.

 

[marragtop]

IF you do have a clogged heater core and you can't successfully flush it, it's pretty easy and cheap to replace. About $25 for a new core, and about 1 hour of labor. If you ever have to do it a second time, you'll be able to do it in 1/2 hr.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Borrow a cooling system pressure tester from Autozone's tool lending program, and pressure test the cooling system.

 

[92exp4x4x5]

To all who have replied...flushed heater core (seperately) {personally think the slime came from 15yr old hoses} New radiator, new thermostat, new upper & lower hoses. Now I'm off to yes, a different mechanic, going to replace heater hoses and have her pressure tested, before anything else. Once again thank you all who replied . Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted!

 

[Nedwreck]

sister, sounds like your covering all the bases.

that's why i like lady wrenches, it gets done all the way or not at all...

 

[92exp4x4x5]

OK Guys,
Here's the scoop She is leaking at the gasket from the timing cover at the waterpump. Leak is from above. This is going to be a labor (8.2hrs) intense repair for a $2.00 gasket. (seems to me they should just replace the waterpump as well, what do you all think?)But I love my "truck" (sorry to all you real truck owners..especially my son with his lifted FX4 level II Ranger...wish you were closer to do the work for mom...especially since you HAVE MY TOOLS). One day I'll own a real pick up!!!..
Not too many of my explorer around...she's a 92 with 5 speed manual tranny and manual locking hubs...yes folks she's got 2 sticks on the floor!!! Had to special order her. I love my truck!!!
Well, she goes in Wednesday, cross your fingers.
And once again, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO RESPONDED!!!!
Darlene

 

[Nedwreck]

not sure what a W.pump costs.. but ya if it aint much i'd go for it.

8.2 hours??? sounds like a quote from a flat-rate manual.

wow, that's a ton of time, doesnt seem like it would take near that long.
I havent had the pleasure of doing mine yet, and it doesn't look like a hard job.

can anybody speak up with a labor time estimate for this?

 

[BrooklynBay]

I don't know what a mechanic would charge for all of this time, but I think most charge about $75 or more an hour. It would be cheaper for you to go to Sears, and get a nice ratchet set. I have a coupon for $5 off in another thread. Here's a direct link: http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/coupons.action?coupon=save_5_on_purchase

 

[north/west,ex]

I agree .Buy the tools and maybe a manual if your unsure and you should still be able to afford the beverage of your choice for later

 

[Nedwreck]

Here's a writeup I stumbled across about this water pump change.
The writer indicated he did the job in six hours, with a one hour mistake.
Also said he could do it in three hours, knowing what he does now.

Not saying your wrench (mechanic) is a scam, by any means.
I did think 8.2 hours was a little stiff though.

Water Pump Install for 1994 Explorer

 

[92exp4x4x5]

Sorry it took so long to reply...Here's the latest. I took my 'sploder to a different mechanic...he did a pressure test and found a bad clamp. Charged me $10 and on my way I went. (I knew better) The very next day, same symptoms...antifreeze smell , irratic temp guage and fluid dripping underneath. So back she went today..got the news...he tore down the front end and repressure tested it and ran her for a while. It seems the the gasket at the intake manifold is the culprit. I'll get her back tomorrow, we'll see.