Significant Coolant Leak

[1995_Ford_XLT]

Hi folks,

In the 10+ years I've owned my Ex, I've never lost a significant amount of coolant. However, in the past 24 hours, I've developed a "significant" leak--big enough to empty the reservoir and about 1/6 of the radiator on a 5 mile trip. I've searched the forum, and I think I've narrowed the problem down to the following possibilities:

1. Water pump (I replaced this myself due to a bad bearing 4.5 years ago--no problems since)
2. Lower intake manifold gasket

My problem is that I can't pinpoint exactly the source of the leak, but there are two puddles forming under the truck: one is about 4 inches from center toward the driver's side and just forward of the center of the front wheels. The second puddle is forming in line with the center of the driver's seat and aft of the center of the front wheels.

Also, the truck is not overheating (yet).

My gut tells me this is not a water pump leak, but I'd appreciate any advice/recommendations about the cause(s) of the leak before I tear into this thing. I'm also stuck driving my wife's minivan until I get this fixed, so I'm highly motivated! Thanks in advance!

Truck specs: 1995, OHV, 4.0l, auto, 2WD, stock.

 

[stubborn1]

If your intake manifold gasket is going, you should be blowing by some coolant through the cylinders and out the exhaust. Take a look at your exhaust and see if you can "smell" coolant being passed through the cylinders. It has a distinctive smell to it.

 

[falls guy]

Sounds like it is coming from the water pump or pump gasket or even just a loose clamp.
Good luck

 

[Ranger Al]

leaky heater core or leaky heater hoses... Although, the water pump is designed to leak if it is going bad. You'll have to check the little hole on the water pump to see if it come from there. I realized it is just been replaced, but sometime it does go bad. Don't you ever wonder why the offer "LIFETIME WARRANTY"?? hehehe

good luck

 

[1995_Ford_XLT]

Update

Sincere thanks to all those who posted their suggestions.

Quick update: I found some traces of a paper-like material just inside the radiator cap, and there is also trace evidence of oil in the coolant. I'm fairly sure this rules out everything except the intake manifold gasket. I'll have access to a lift in next the couple of days, so I'll post more results then. In the meantime, if anyone thinks I've overlooked anything, please let me know.

I feel fortunate that this happened close to home...

 

[project92]

the 4.0 ohv is bad about the intake gasket leaking(front and back of motor) mine leaked for 3 years thought it was the thermostate housing but it was leaking under the housing running down the side of the motor.... finally just "blew " one day galon of water would leak out in less than 30 seconds... how many miles mine had 180,000 when it went....

 

[1995_Ford_XLT]

how many miles mine had 180,000 when it went....

My truck's got 103,500 miles. Everything considered, I still feel satisfied with the reliability of my Explorer. The only other time it had a problem which made it undriveable was when the serpentine belt tensioner broke about 2.5 years ago (an easy fix). I enjoy doing preventive maintenance on my truck, though, so I think that helps.

With any luck, I'll make it to 180,000, too!

 

[1995_Ford_XLT]

And the winner is...

If you thought the water pump was the problem, you were right. After I got the truck on the lift and did some checking, the water pump was at fault. I replaced the water pump, flushed the cooling system, and replaced some bad hoses (which were only 4.5 years old--seems they should have lasted longer ), and all is back to normal. I'll also be keeping a close eye on coolant levels, temperature, etc., over the next few days until I'm confident everything is working exactly as it should.

I'm glad it turned out to be the water pump rather than the intake mainfold gasket--the water pump is an easier repair. Good lesson learned, though: always keep an open mind about a problem (at least until you get under the vehicle and get your hands dirty!).

 

[Sid Daley]

Check your thermostat housing, they are made from chinese plastic and can crack.

edit - Should have read the whole thread and I would have seen you fixed it.

SID

 

[rayko]

Got 102,000 0n my 01 Sport. I haven't had any major problems other than the stupid drivers seat back(which broke last nite). At least it's under recall and wiill be a freebee.............................

 

[Ranger Al]

I hope you do get a new water pump, reman just doesn't cut it on the water pump even with life time warranty.