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Coolant problem


Rangerlife

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Hi. I have a 2011 Ranger 2.3L In-line 4 and been chasing a coolant problem for awhile. First 2 years every 3 months I had to add coolant no signs of a leak. Then I had to get a new radiator, system was tested and coolant flush no issue was found. No lights or codes, temp gauge doesn't show and cooling problems. But for awhile it stayed full til tonight I heard like a water running and boiling water sound so I looked and coolant is really low oil is brown was changed 4,000 miles ago. Floor boards aren't wet. Could use some help if anyone has this problem with a 2.3L or any idea where I should start looking maybe a coolant leak detector I can use that could help. Thanks new to this
 


adsm08

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I saw a 2.0 do something like that once. Never did get to find out what broke. Ford Engineering wanted the ending back untouched to go over it themselves.
 

Rangerlife

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Ok. All the Ford shops I been to they had the truck for 2 days and were clueless what is going on. Preesure test was fine but they can tell I lost coolant with no signs of where
 

adsm08

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Borrow a pressure tester from a parts store. With the engine cold pump the system up to whatever the cap rating is, and then start it and let it run until it gets to temp. Then let it sit and cool down while you still have the tester on. Look for signs of pressure loss, or external leakage during the test. Some leaks only show up at certain temps, and can be small enough to make them hard to detect.

You can also get fluorescent dies to put in the coolant that can help trace small leaks.
 

Rangerlife

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Ok thanks. I'll post what I find and happens
 

RonD

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Yes, put a UV(ultra-violet) dye into the coolant when engine is cold, drive it a few WEEKS, since coolant is a slow leak

Use UV flashlight at night to look for the traces/tracks of the UV dye.
 

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