Head Gasket info,,, I think....

[uncle_ct]

92/93 Exlp Spt. 4x4

I was sitting at the gas station and i was told by a passer by that i was leaking Anti-freeze. I look under the truck and i seen a good amount leaking down from between the trans and the engine block. I wouldnt say that it was a steady stream but it was coming down in a good drip fairly quick.

I was 1 block from the house and i got it there, and let it cool down.. The temp gauge is fine, and is not reading hot, since i am sure i caught it early enough. I sure soon it will be hot.

I have looked under and over the engine looking for the leak, and i can not find the source. My knowledge tells me it is a head gasket, but the fluids are not mixed = Water+Oil etc. Is there somthing else that could be leaking.

The leak favors the passenger side of the truck between the trans and the engine and it is above the oil filter since the top of it was wet with anti-freeze.

I was just wondering if there is something in that area that could be causing that leak instead of a DREADED head gasket.

Anyone ? thanks in advance for the response.. Im a hitting the chiltons as we speak, but any pro advice would be kick ass,


thanks

 

[uncle_ct]

one more thing,, the leak is not or i could not see it from the top. The top was dry the hoses are fine and sealed. It has to be coming from some where in the rear back top or bottom or the engine,, againt he top back near the rotor and trans dip stick are dry as well.

 

[mikeinri]

Freeze plug?

 

[uncle_ct]

didnt see any that were leaking... on that side.

 

[Tbars4]

fill the truck up with antifreeze and see if it still leaks without running it....also, sometimes those leaks are a pain to find since the fan blows stuuff from the front around to the sides...:scratch: i've got my fingers crossed for you as i had the same leak last week and still not sure of the source...

 

[MrShorty]

I've seen similar leaks attributed to freeze plugs and intake manifold gaskets on this engine.

Does it have to be on the engine? The heater control valve on the firewall (if you have one) has also been reported as a trouble spot.

I think I would get a pressure tester (autozone offers it in their loan-a-tool), pressure up the system cold, and see what you can see.

 

[mikeinri]

Sorry, I must have been tired last night.

Of course, absolutely do a pressure test (or take it to a radiator shop and have it done for you). That's the only real way to find the source without wasting time guessing.

Mike

 

[uncle_ct]

It only leaks when the truck is running. I have more time today to get the truck up in the air and take a look. Also i am purchasing a Digital camera this week so i can post pics as i go along.

 

[uncle_ct]

I am going to try this tool, (link below) with the truck turned off so i can hear where the leak is coming from. Since it is only leaking with the trucking running the vibrations and noice is not allowing me to see back into the creepy depths of my motor. I shall return... or i shall be paying 1500 to have the heads redone,,,, OUCH... either way i will update it,..

http://www.explorerforum.com/reviewp...ct/231/cat/500

 

[Tbars4]

unclect, that is a dead link...hopefully at worst, it is a gasket...

 

[BrooklynBay]

I think that this is the link you were trying to post: http://www.explorerforum.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php/product/231/cat/500

 

[uncle_ct]

thanks i looked at it futher, and there is a small leak ,,(real small) on the back left side of the head, coming from the gasket. I am sure this might mean the head is warped or maybe, and hopefully a head gasket failure.

Is there a link anyone can find to a head gasket job tutorial on this site ?

I have the Haynes manual which is ok, but if anyone has a link to a better how to with better pics it would be appreciated.


I guess my truck is getting to that over haul point. where alot is starting to fail.. Kind of a bummer,, it has 1500 in brakes and mufflers, and a new rebuilt trans i dropped 1100 on. Maybe i should consider selling it and upgrading to a newer version. Complete truck, runs good, looks good inside and out, the only bad spot is the normal little rust under the doors over the spoilers.