Sudden low coolant level continuing... Help, BIG northeast snowstorm coming!!!

[NJExplorerFan]

Hey Guys,

I recently (out of nowhere) wasn't getting any heat in my '03 Explorer. I came to find that I was very low on coolant. Filled it up to the proper level and all has been okay (it needed about 1.5 gallons). It's been about 2 weeks now and I figured I'd get under the hood to check the level again. Well, it was low yet again. I put about 1/2 gallon in there and it still needs more, probably around another 1/2 gallon to be at the proper level. I'll have to buy more coolant.

Why is this happening all of a sudden? It's been fine since I bought it 5 years ago with 72K miles. It now has just under 128K miles. Could this be something serious? There's no smoke from the engine, tailpipe or anywhere else that would signify it being burned. There's also no leaks anywhere on the ground. I can only assume it's something internal that's burning it off or it's somehow being evaporated.

Can anyone provide some input here?

 

[Number4]

Have a shop pressure test the system.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

intake manifold leaking, common 4.6l issue.

 

[NJExplorerFan]

Hmmmm, would be it so small as a hairline crack or a bad seal that I wouldn't see it?

 

[motc777]

Can you smell any coolant at all, especially after it running? Also, have you checked your water inlet valve that sits on top of your engine for what looks like a dried crud all over is and the hose?

If you find some there, likely your water inlet valve itself is cracked, which is something I've found to be common on Explorers, or the o-ring for the ECT sensor that plugs into the valve is worn out and causing it to leak back on top of the engine block. Shine a light back there and see if you see a small bit of coolant back there.

I only mention this, because I had the same thing happen to me and this was it. LEt me know if it is and I will have some advice about replacing this that may be helpful.

 

[fmedrano1977]

Can you smell any coolant at all, especially after it running? Also, have you checked your water inlet valve that sits on top of your engine for what looks like a dried crud all over is and the hose?

If you find some there, likely your water inlet valve itself is cracked, which is something I've found to be common on Explorers, or the o-ring for the ECT sensor that plugs into the valve is worn out and causing it to leak back on top of the engine block. Shine a light back there and see if you see a small bit of coolant back there.

I only mention this, because I had the same thing happen to me and this was it. LEt me know if it is and I will have some advice about replacing this that may be helpful.

Ditto on this,mine had a crack o it as well and had to be replaced.

 

[dieselscout80]

Can you smell any coolant at all, especially after it running? Also, have you checked your water inlet valve that sits on top of your engine for what looks like a dried crud all over is and the hose?

If you find some there, likely your water inlet valve itself is cracked, which is something I've found to be common on Explorers, or the o-ring for the ECT sensor that plugs into the valve is worn out and causing it to leak back on top of the engine block. Shine a light back there and see if you see a small bit of coolant back there.

I only mention this, because I had the same thing happen to me and this was it. LEt me know if it is and I will have some advice about replacing this that may be helpful.

Does this require the replacing/removing the whole intake manifold?

I have a 2003 Explorer 4.6L.

 

[motc777]

No it doesn't. If you see what I described around the water inlet valve, you will just have to remove it and replace it. No manifold removal required.

 

[dieselscout80]

No it doesn't. If you see what I described around the water inlet valve, you will just have to remove it and replace it. No manifold removal required.

Thanks

Any chance you could take a picture of said item?

 

[NJExplorerFan]

I don't recall smelling any coolant but I'll check that valve and o-ring. Anybody have a pic of its exact location?

 

[Number4]

Are we confusing the 4.0 tstat housing with the 4.6? Just wondering as the op has the 4.6 and its a different setup.

 

[NJExplorerFan]

Wow, good thought. Is it different in the 4.6L? I might have some time to finally look at it today.

 

[dieselscout80]

QUOTE=motc777;3381009]Can you smell any coolant at all, especially after it running? Also, have you checked your water inlet valve that sits on top of your engine for what looks like a dried crud all over is and the hose?

If you find some there, likely your water inlet valve itself is cracked, which is something I've found to be common on Explorers, or the o-ring for the ECT sensor that plugs into the valve is worn out and causing it to leak back on top of the engine block. Shine a light back there and see if you see a small bit of coolant back there.

I only mention this, because I had the same thing happen to me and this was it. LEt me know if it is and I will have some advice about replacing this that may be helpful. [/QUOTE]

On the 4.6L is this what you are talking about?
http://www.autozone.com/cooling-hea...r-4wd/2003/8-cylinders-w-4-6l-sfi/104492_0_0/

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[pet575]

If the place where dieselscout80's part attaches to is leaking, then you must replace the entire intake manifold to correct that problem on the 4.6L. I believe it is a separate part on the V6, though.

 

[NJExplorerFan]

Anybody have a picture where the water inlet valve would be on the 4.6L? I just had to buy another gallon of coolant tonight. Seems I gotta refill it every week now. The price of coolant adds up for the month. Please help someone!

 

[Number4]

Anybody have a picture where the water inlet valve would be on the 4.6L? I just had to buy another gallon of coolant tonight. Seems I gotta refill it every week now. The price of coolant adds up for the month. Please help someone!

It's where the upper radiator hose attaches to the engine.
What others are saying though, is that your intake may be leaking.

 

[NJExplorerFan]

Could an intake suddenly leak? I assume it could be a plastic that's giving out at 128K miles?

 

[pet575]

Check out this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=361187

You also need to rule out the possibility of a head gasket problem or water in your oil.