'00 Ranger 4.0 loosing coolant

[BUGNUT]

Hi All,

I have a 2000 Ranger xlt 4.0 5spd auto tranny. The last month I've poured in about 2 gallons of antifreeze into the rad and coolant tank. I've checked the engine, rad and heater for leaks and found none. I fear I may have a head gasket failure. I'll be off to my local garage for a cooling system pressure test next week. Is there any history of head gasket failure on the Ranger. I had a
'88 Sable with the 3.8 and head gasket failure was a very common problem. Why do problems always happen when we're expecting snow? I have to work on this beast outside too. Any idea how many hours it takes to replace the head gaskets? The Ranger is fully loaded.

 

[bmosso3]

I had to have my head gasket replaced about a year ago, I too have a 2000 xlt 4.0 auto. It was overheating when i was coasting, but would cool off as i sped up. I was 16 at the time and didn't know what was happening but checked the fluids (cause i'm not stupid enough to act like nothing was wrong). Was almost out of anti-freeze/coolant so i bought some at walmart, mixed it with water, then drove it to a shop.They got the headgasket replaced, problem solved.

And it was right about this time of year too...

 

[BUGNUT]

Can I ask how many hours they charged you to replace the head gaskets?

I should also have the moderators move this thread to the 4.0 section

 

[Mutant Pony]

It is most likely a cracked head. Just like the 2.9, they crack heads. The head gaskets don't get a chance to fail.

 

[bmosso3]

my dad's buddy did the repairs so we didn't get charged by the hour. And to the above poster, i bet you have some experience to validate that statement, but it has happened before. to me.