Coolant leak

[omgitzjojo]

I have 2002 ranger edge 3.0 auto trans and coolant is leaking from above oil filter. I need to know what gasket it is. I know it looks like oil but it's coolant. Its just dark. But there's a small pool of coolant under the truck

 

[Shadowrider6661]

Thats a strange place for a coolant leak. What Gasket are you referring to ? In general, if antifreeze is leaking on the side of an engine, its usually a bad freeze plug. Since I'm not versed in your exact engine, its hard to give you a more definitive answer. On the upside, someone who knows more about your vehicle will eventually give you a better answer. Welcome to the club.

 

[omgitzjojo]

Thanks for the welcome.
I shouldn't have said gasket. I just assumed it was a gasket because it was leaking. If it was a leaking from a plug would I have to pull the engine?

 

[Dirtman]

It depends how far up its leaking from. You can see stains on the oil filter but that could literally be coming from anything above it, which is most of the engine. Head gasket, a temp sensor, a hose, intake manifold...

You need to get your head in there and trace the leak. Nothing we can do with that picture (no offense). For about 15 bucks you can buy some UV dye. You dump it in the radiator and run the truck for a while. After it cools down (and preferably after it gets dark) you go shine a black light on the engine and the coolant leak will glow like Chernobyl so you can see where it's coming from.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/interdynamics-3992/chemicals---fluids-16461/leak-detectors---sealers-25965/27fbee18b299/interdynamics-fluorescent-leak-detector-dye/375cs/4384812

 

[omgitzjojo]

It is leaking from right there. Here's a better pic. I'm not sure if this is a gasket. When the truck is running it runs from right there.

 

[Dirtman]

That appears to be a head gasket...

 

[omgitzjojo]

.... Is it even worth trying stop leak?

 

[Dirtman]

No, all that garbage does is destroy your cooling system.

 

[omgitzjojo]

Can you tell me what needs to be included with a head gasket kit? Also a repair manual to replace the gasket?

 

[MikeG]

You're going to have to pull the heads to replace the head gasket, which also means the entire intake and exhaust manifolds, at a minimum. Then set up the valve train again (hydraulic lifters I think?).

Anyway not a ten minute job like an oil change, what is the most complicated thing you have done on an engine? Digging through a reputable manual may be a good step to decide if it's for you. The Haynes / Chilton ones used to be a good start, but I don't think I've bought one of them since my late 80s BII. So..... someone else will have to chime in.

There's Ford factory shop manuals out there, too.

 

[Dirtman]

Most places sell head gasket "kits" that will include all the gaskets you need. (Valve cover, upper and lower intake, thermostat, exhaust manifold, in addition to the actual head gaskets)

You also need new head bolts as they are a one time use item.

Most of the exhaust manifold bolts are going to snap off so experience with extracting broken bolts is a must. A good set of drill bits and extractors and patience.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

This molehill just became a mountain....

 

[Dirtman]

Well the good news is as far as head gasket leaks go it's one of the better scenarios since its simply leaking from a coolant passage to OUTSIDE the engine instead of leaking inside the combustion chamber or into an oil passage which can cause severe engine damage. Left alone it will continue to erode until it does blow out internally though so definitely needs to be fixed.

Also good news is the 3.0 is the easiest ranger engines to fix this on. Very basic setup with no need to deal with cam timing like on the 4.0 SOHC, 2.3 SOHC, or 2.3 DOHC. Besides following the torque specs and sequences there's really nothing "technical" about the process.

 

[omgitzjojo]

I looked at the service manual and its not to bad. The only thing I'm confused about is setting up the valve train again? Idk what the means or how to do it

 

[gaz]

omgitzjojo,

I feel for you, you need:

-new throttle body, upper and lower intake manifold, valve cover, head and exhaust manifold gaskets.
-new TTY head bolts
-consider new O-rings and hats for you fuel rail and cleaning the injectors while out.
-a thourough understanding of both how to set your engine at both top dead center on the #1 cylinder and how to adjust your valve train.
-may want to consider a valve job while your heads are off.

Unfortunately, it could be worse than just a head gasket.