Odd coolant leak / Starter oil leak??

[iplayloudly]

2004 3.0 edge 2wd



So first of all, I have coolant running down the oil pan on the passenger side, and dripping off the drain plug. I know its coolant because I have dye in it. I also smell burning coolant when the truck is hot. Nothing is leaking around the top of the engine, nor is the water pump / gasket leaking. All I can think of is maybe the lower intake at the back of the engine. But I can't seem to get a good view of it. Anyone else had this problem?

Also, I noticed some kind of oil (not engine oil, its a dark gray color) leaking out of a hole on the bottom of the starter. What is heck is this?

[tbirdsps]

Still coolant more than likely coming out of the starter. The coolant is washing out the gunk in the starter. Starter bearing failure coming?

Consider that it could be a "freeze" plug leaking either on the back of the head or the rear most plug on the engine block.

[06RangerXLT]

yea im gonna say coolant out of the starter as well. but in that area, if its auto, your torque converter may have a leak and is slinging ATF in there. or the input seal in the trans. theres a few things. smell and taste is the best diag.

[iplayloudly]

Ok so how does coolant get into the starter? I've never heard of a starter with coolant lines running into it...

[locovaca]

If you're absolutely sure that's coolant there's only two things above there that could be leaking it: a freeze plug or the lower intake. There aren't any (factory) hoses running above there.