Random coolant leak ... please read details and help.

[tamaandsandy]

I have a 1993 Ford Ranger XLT 3.0 V6. When i got the truck, there were absolutely no visible leaks. The truck has been regularly maintenanced by the owner (who was a car collector). I started smelling an odd gas smell a few days after i purchased the truck and took it to my nearest mechanic who said the filler neck tube needed replaced. They also talked me into replacing a bunch of other things as well, stating that the parts were old and would soon be out, so it was best to replace while im there. I said alright, and they replaced the stuff they recommended.

That was 3 months ago. A few days ago, i went into reverse and the truck jerked, i knew something was off, so i reached out to a different mechanic and they advised is had to be a transmission leak. So, i went underneath the truck, and sure enough, there was a transmission fluid leak coming from the bottom hose on the radiator; the BRAND NEW RADIATOR that was replaced 3 months ago. I immediately took the truck back to the mechanic who replaced it and he would not work on it. So i was forced to go to a different shop.

The new shop i went to found the transmission leak and states that the previous shop did not tighten the fitting from the transmission line hose all the way on when they installed the new radiator. So they tightened the fitting, and they also stated the timing cover gasket is leaking and that its needs to be replaced ASAP as it can cause issues with overheating. So, after the new diagnostics from the new shop, i went to pick the truck back up and when i got home, i parked it and was checking everything over again. Now, I'm not seeing the transmission fluid leak anymore as stated by the new shop, but im now seeing coolant leaking from the same exact hose fitting! The coolant was not leaking out of that hose before. It was only transmission fluid.

Everything im reading says the trans hoses will leak coolant when the radiator is bad, but the radiator is brand new and was just replaced 3 months ago! Does anyone know what in the world this could be?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Can you take some pics of the area?

 

[MaicoDoug]

Some of the parts store quality Ranger replacement radiators have/had quality issues. The popular complaint across the board was exactly what you are experiencing, leaking transmission and/or improper type hose connection. It is very possible that now the transmission fittings are leaking engine coolant because of over tightening in attempt to stop the transmission cooler lines to stop leaking. Sounds exactly like what Autozone replacement radiators were having issues with. Reading all about this problem on their website steered me away and over to Napa/Advanced auto parts where I read no complaints regarding the leaking/improper transmission cooler fitting issue. So....I may consider finding where they purchased it, and if they play possum, go to that distribuitor & return it. R&R of a Ranger radiator is nothing at all. 4 bolts & 2 clamps, plus the coolant. Apx $270 will be the total cost of parts. Make sure you purchase (super cab) This one
Double check with the store, but the one with the silver mounting eyelets works perfect.

 

[SenorNoob]

I had similar problems with a cheap Amazon radiator in the 04 mustang my mom had. It came with a bag full of transmission cooler adapters that wouldn't seal for shit.