Now what's wrong with it?

[Threnners]

2006 XLT 4.0. Got new tires and oil change yesterday. I filled the coolant resevoir tank last week because it was empty. I checked it when I got home and it was bone dry again. Went out today to fill it again, and there is a leak, but it is NOT from the radiator:

(here you can see the drop forming, although its blurry)

(better overview shot)

There are at least 3 places there is a leak -one of them is closer to the front but I cannot get a picture of it.

So how screwed is it? What kind of cost to repair am I looking at? I know she's 8 years old (build date 10/05), but good god. I've never had a vehicle spring leaks like this one.

 

[swshawaii]

If you've ruled out the radiator, check the lower thermostat housing. 4.0L SOHC's are notorious for them splitting at the seams, usually from the rear side. Use a flashlight and small mirror to pinpoint, or even better a coolant pressure test kit.


http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=340734&highlight=lower+thermostat+housing

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=325016&highlight=lower+thermostat+housing

 

[Threnners]

My dad said it's the thermostat housing again (we had to replace it 3 years ago), he can see it from the top.

This is why I fix computers and servers, not cars.

 

[swshawaii]

My dad said it's the thermostat housing again, we had to replace it 3 years ago.

No seams to split, this may be a worthwhile upgrade. $149

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=362922

 

[Threnners]

By "we", I meant our mechanic. I fix electronics not cars, unfortunately. But I'm honestly starting to wonder if it wouldn't help to keep a "frequently replaced parts" stock on hand, like thermostat housings and radiators.

 

[admsbmr]

its your heater hose where it splits to go to the rear heat. its under the air intake hose on the passenger side of the truck. I just did mine less than two weeks ago.

 

[Threnners]

Yep. I just got the call from the mechanic. The damage is:

Serpentine belt worn down
Fuel filter bad
Lower thermostat housing cracked
Heater hose at the T leaking
Bad Battery (well, it IS the factory battery.)

On top of this, I just put new tires on it this weekend and replaced the dead factory CD changer the week before. Ouch.