2000 ranger using alot of coolant and is now leaking

[cpurtellII]

So I have a 2000 ranger with 4.0 liter ohv engine and it always has seemed to used some coolant but now it using a alot of coolant and it is leaking from the back of the engine on the wiring harness and the dripping on to cat. The oil is clean not a milkshake. I'm wondering is this common or where the leak is coming from the only thing I can think is the intake gasket is leaking and dumping the coolant out back between the intake and the head. Looks to be passenger side. The truck has 105,000 on it has been a excellent truck. I would like to fix it just wondering what I'm getting into. also the cooling system seems to hold pressure even after it has cooled over night if you pop the radiator cap it spits coolant out. So for the rant just wanted get all the info out there to see if I can get some help.

 

[srteach]

Freeze plug on the back of one of the heads? The coolant doesn't circulate through the intake area. Compression test the cylinders and the coolant jacket to find the leak. Head gasket leaks usually leak into the oil or the cylinder. The leak is either a freeze plug or gasket, either of which require removal of the head and new head gasket to repair.
Overnight, the coolant jacket should not be pressurized

 

[cpurtellII]

testinf

I should be able to get a tester pressurize the cooling system right ? Any Ideas on how long it should hold pressure ?

 

[Big Jim M]

First things first!

I should be able to get a tester pressurize the cooling system right ? Any Ideas on how long it should hold pressure ?

First off.. Vehicles don't "USE" coolant! At the first sign of low coolant level one should find and repair the LEAK! Coolant should stay in place for the life of the engine.
If, when removing the cap you still have pressure in the system, that would be a sign of a very small leak. Look up as high as you can to find the highest drop if fluid you can find and there should be the leak.
It takes a person that is willing to spend some time LOOKING and FINDING the leak...a casual peek under the hood simply won't cut it.
Big JIm

 

[srteach]

I should be able to get a tester pressurize the cooling system right ? Any Ideas on how long it should hold pressure ?

The pressure tester looks like a radiator cap. Max pressure should be 13-15psi. If you have no leaks, it will hold until you remove the tester. If you have a leak you will see it under pressure.